Anderson's Trema Plant Care

Trema andersonii (Planch.) Byng & Christenh.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

The Trema andersonii is distinguished by its striking red and green variegated leaves, making it a standout addition to any plant collection. Originating from Madagascar, this exotic plant is highly sought after by collectors for its unique appearance and rare availability in cultivation.

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Anderson's Trema?

Plant Anderson's Trema in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

What Is the Anderson's Trema?

Anderson's Trema (Trema andersonii) belongs to the Cannabaceae family within the Trema genus. Anderson's Trema is native to Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia. Anderson's Trema is also known as Anderson's Nettle Tree.

Anderson's Trema displays a fast-growing small tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Anderson's Trema produces inconspicuous greenish flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Anderson's Trema?

Water a young or newly planted Anderson's Trema 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Anderson's Trema Need?

Anderson's Trema thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Anderson's Trema Prefer?

Trema andersonii tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Anderson's Trema prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Anderson's Trema?

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Anderson's Trema to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Anderson's Trema?

Feed Anderson's Trema 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 Anderson's Trema?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Anderson's Trema 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 Anderson's Trema?

Anderson's Trema can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Anderson's Trema?

Prune Anderson's Trema 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 Anderson's Trema in Winter?

Anderson's Trema 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 Anderson's Trema?

Anderson's Trema can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cannabis trema plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Anderson's Trema Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Anderson's Trema, 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 Anderson's Trema?

Anderson's Trema is susceptible to aphids, 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Anderson's Trema Need?

Anderson's Trema grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Anderson's Trema is native to Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia. In cooler regions, grow Anderson's Trema as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Anderson's Trema 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 Trema genus — compare its care with other Trema species on PlantoScan.

Trema is part of the Cannabaceae plant family — browse all Cannabaceae genera and species.

Anderson's Trema thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Trema Species

Other Trema species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Trema andersonii (Planch.) Byng & Christenh., family Cannabaceae (first published in Global Fl. 4: 126. 2018 [9 Feb 2018] [epublished]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Anderson's Trema, 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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