Amazon Tapura Plant Care
Tapura amazonica var. manausensis Prance
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The Tapura amazonica var. manausensis is known for its large, glossy, dark green leaves that have a striking red underside. Originating from the Amazon rainforest, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in low light conditions. Its striking color contrast and tropical origins make it a standout addition to any indoor plant collection.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full sun
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Amazon Tapura?
Plant Amazon Tapura in partial shade to full sun (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Amazon Tapura?
Amazon Tapura (Tapura amazonica var. manausensis) belongs to the Dichapetalaceae family within the Tapura genus. Amazon Tapura is native to Brazil. Amazon Tapura is also known as Manaus Tapura.
Amazon Tapura displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Amazon Tapura produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Amazon Tapura?
Water a young or newly planted Amazon Tapura every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Amazon Tapura Need?
Amazon Tapura thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Amazon Tapura Prefer?
Tapura amazonica var. manausensis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Amazon Tapura prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Amazon Tapura?
Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Amazon Tapura to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Amazon Tapura?
Feed Amazon Tapura every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Amazon Tapura?
Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Amazon Tapura is suited to USDA Zone 13b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Amazon Tapura?
Amazon Tapura can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Amazon Tapura?
Prune Amazon Tapura while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Amazon Tapura in Winter?
Amazon Tapura is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Amazon Tapura?
Amazon Tapura can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spider tree plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Amazon Tapura Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Amazon Tapura?
Amazon Tapura is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Amazon Tapura Need?
Amazon Tapura grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Amazon Tapura is native to Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Amazon Tapura as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Amazon Tapura is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Tapura genus — compare its care with other Tapura species on PlantoScan.
Tapura is part of the Dichapetalaceae plant family — browse all Dichapetalaceae genera and species.
Amazon Tapura thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Tapura Species
Other Tapura species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tapura amazonica var. manausensis Prance, family Dichapetalaceae (first published in Fl. Neotrop. Monogr. 10: 59 (1972)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Amazon Tapura is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
