Upuna borneensis Plant Care

Upuna borneensis (Upuna borneensis) belongs to the Dipterocarpaceae family within the Upuna genus. Upuna borneensis is native to lowland mixed dipterocarp forests up to 400 meters elevation.

Upuna borneensis displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 100 ft tall with a spread of approximately 50 ft. Upuna borneensis produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Upuna borneensis 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.

Upuna borneensis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Upuna borneensis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Upuna borneensis prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Loamy, well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Upuna borneensis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Upuna borneensis 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 full sun to partial shade and loamy, well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Upuna borneensis is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Upuna borneensis can spread to about 50 ft (15.2 m) and reach about 100 ft (30 m) tall. Space plants about 50 ft (15.2 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.

Prune Upuna borneensis 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.

Upuna borneensis 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.

Upuna borneensis can be propagated through seeds, air layering.

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Upuna borneensis is susceptible to scale insects, leaf miners, caterpillars. 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.

Upuna borneensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Upuna borneensis is native to lowland mixed dipterocarp forests up to 400 meters elevation. In cooler regions, grow Upuna borneensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.