Brazilian tulip tree Plant Care

Brazilian tulip tree (Tapura bouquetiana) belongs to the Dichapetalaceae family within the Tapura genus. Brazilian tulip tree is native to Brazil, Peru. Brazilian tulip tree is also known as cup flower tree.

Brazilian tulip tree displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Brazilian tulip tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Brazilian tulip tree 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.

Brazilian tulip tree thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Tapura bouquetiana tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Brazilian tulip tree prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Brazilian tulip tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Brazilian tulip tree 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

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.

Brazilian tulip tree 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.

Brazilian tulip tree 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.

Prune Brazilian tulip tree 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.

Brazilian tulip tree 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.

Brazilian tulip tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spider tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Brazilian tulip tree 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.

Brazilian tulip tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Brazilian tulip tree is native to Brazil, Peru. In cooler regions, grow Brazilian tulip tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.