Tapura guianensis Plant Care

Tapura guianensis (Tapura orbicularis) belongs to the Dichapetalaceae family within the Tapura genus. Tapura guianensis is native to Cuba. Tapura guianensis is also known as Tapura latifolia.

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

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Tapura guianensis 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.

Tapura guianensis thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Tapura orbicularis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Tapura guianensis 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 Tapura guianensis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Tapura guianensis 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.

Tapura guianensis 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.

Tapura guianensis 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 Tapura guianensis 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.

Tapura guianensis 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.

Tapura guianensis 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.

Tapura guianensis 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.

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