Florida Torreya Plant Care

Florida Torreya (Torreya taxifolia) belongs to the Taxaceae family within the Torreya genus. Florida Torreya is native to only a small glacial refugium in the southeastern United States, at the state border region of northern Florida and southwestern Georgia. Florida Torreya is also known as Stinking Cedar, Gopher Apple.

Florida Torreya displays a slow-growing conifer tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Florida Torreya produces inconspicuous, non-showy.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Florida Torreya 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.

Florida Torreya thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Florida Torreya in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Torreya taxifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Florida Torreya prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Florida Torreya every 8 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 shade and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Florida Torreya is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Florida Torreya can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Florida Torreya 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.

Florida Torreya is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Florida Torreya can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese torreya plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Florida Torreya is susceptible to spider mites, 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.

Florida Torreya grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Florida Torreya is native to only a small glacial refugium in the southeastern United States, at the state border region of northern Florida and southwestern Georgia. In cooler regions, grow Florida Torreya as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.