Trophis scandens Plant Care

Trophis scandens (Trophis scandens) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Trophis genus.

Trophis scandens displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Trophis scandens produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Trophis scandens 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.

Trophis scandens thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Trophis scandens tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Trophis scandens prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Trophis scandens to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Trophis scandens 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Trophis scandens 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.

Trophis scandens 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.

Prune Trophis scandens 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.

Trophis scandens 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.

Trophis scandens can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tree spinach plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Trophis scandens is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

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