Stemonurus apicalis Plant Care

Stemonurus apicalis (Stemonurus apicalis) belongs to the Stemonuraceae family within the Stemonurus genus. Stemonurus apicalis is native to Sri Lanka.

Stemonurus apicalis displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Stemonurus apicalis produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Stemonurus apicalis 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.

Stemonurus apicalis thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Stemonurus apicalis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Stemonurus apicalis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Stemonurus apicalis prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Stemonurus apicalis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Stemonurus apicalis 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 bright indirect light and rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Stemonurus apicalis 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.

Stemonurus apicalis can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 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 Stemonurus apicalis 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.

Stemonurus apicalis 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.

Stemonurus apicalis can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Stemonurus apicalis is susceptible to spider mites, 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.

Stemonurus apicalis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Stemonurus apicalis is native to Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow Stemonurus apicalis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.