Tetracera nordtiana Plant Care

Tetracera nordtiana F.Muell.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Tetracera nordtiana, commonly known as small-leaved fire vine, is a climbing plant in the family Dilleniaceae which occurs from eastern Indonesia to the Australian state of Queensland. It was first described in 1865 and has a conservation status of least concern.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Tetracera nordtiana?

Plant Tetracera nordtiana in partial shade to full sun (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

What Is the Tetracera nordtiana?

Tetracera nordtiana (Tetracera nordtiana) belongs to the Dilleniaceae family within the Tetracera genus.

Tetracera nordtiana displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Tetracera nordtiana produces small, white to pale yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Tetracera nordtiana?

Water a young or newly planted Tetracera nordtiana every 7–14 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 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Tetracera nordtiana Need?

Tetracera nordtiana thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Light Requirement

Partial shade to full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tetracera nordtiana Prefer?

Tetracera nordtiana tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Tetracera nordtiana prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–80°F

Humidity

50–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tetracera nordtiana?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Tetracera nordtiana?

Feed Tetracera nordtiana 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 Tetracera nordtiana?

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Tetracera nordtiana is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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 Tetracera nordtiana?

Tetracera nordtiana can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Tetracera nordtiana?

Prune Tetracera nordtiana 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 Tetracera nordtiana in Winter?

Tetracera nordtiana 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 Tetracera nordtiana?

Tetracera nordtiana can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sandpaper vine plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Tetracera nordtiana Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Tetracera nordtiana, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

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 Tetracera nordtiana?

Tetracera nordtiana 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 Tetracera nordtiana Need?

Tetracera nordtiana grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Tetracera nordtiana as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Tetracera nordtiana 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 Tetracera genus — compare its care with other Tetracera species on PlantoScan.

Tetracera is part of the Dilleniaceae plant family — browse all Dilleniaceae genera and species.

Tetracera nordtiana thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Tetracera nordtiana F.Muell., family Dilleniaceae (first published in Fragm. 5: 1 (1865)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tetracera nordtiana, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, 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.

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