Image: AI generated
Acapulco Four-Wing Plant Care
Tetrapterys acapulcensis Kunth
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Tetrapterys acapulcensis is a unique plant known for its striking four-winged fruit pods that resemble tiny helicopters. Native to the tropical regions of Mexico, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its delicate pink flowers and attractive foliage.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Acapulco Four-Wing?
Water Acapulco Four-Wing every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Acapulco Four-Wing?
Acapulco Four-Wing (Tetrapterys acapulcensis) belongs to the Malpighiaceae family within the Tetrapterys genus. Acapulco Four-Wing is native to Mexico. Acapulco Four-Wing is also known as Mexican Heather.
Acapulco Four-Wing displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Acapulco Four-Wing produces small, yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Acapulco Four-Wing?
Tetrapterys acapulcensis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Acapulco Four-Wing Need?
Acapulco Four-Wing thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Acapulco Four-Wing in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Acapulco Four-Wing Prefer?
Tetrapterys acapulcensis grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Acapulco Four-Wing 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 Acapulco Four-Wing?
Well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Acapulco Four-Wing to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Acapulco Four-Wing?
Feed Acapulco Four-Wing every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Acapulco Four-Wing?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Acapulco Four-Wing?
Acapulco Four-Wing can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Acapulco Four-Wing Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Acapulco Four-Wing, 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 Acapulco Four-Wing?
Acapulco Four-Wing is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. 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 Acapulco Four-Wing Need?
Acapulco Four-Wing grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Acapulco Four-Wing is native to Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Acapulco Four-Wing as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Acapulco Four-Wing 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 Tetrapterys genus (family Malpighiaceae) — search all Tetrapterys species in the plant lookup.
Acapulco Four-Wing 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: Tetrapterys acapulcensis Kunth, family Malpighiaceae (first published in Nov. Gen. Sp. 5: 168 (1822)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Acapulco Four-Wing, 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.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- 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.
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