Tiny Leaf Uvaria Plant Care
Uvaria micrantha Hook.f. & Thomson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Uvaria micrantha, with its large, glossy, dark green leaves and vibrant yellow flowers, is native to the tropical regions of Africa. This unique plant is highly sought after by plant collectors for its stunning foliage and exotic blooms, making it a standout addition to any botanical collection.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full sun
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Tiny Leaf Uvaria?
Plant Tiny Leaf Uvaria in partial shade to full sun (USDA zones 10b–12b) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Tiny Leaf Uvaria Native To?
What Is the Tiny Leaf Uvaria?
Tiny Leaf Uvaria (Uvaria micrantha) belongs to the Annonaceae family within the Uvaria genus. Tiny Leaf Uvaria is native to Indo-China, Malesia, New Guinea, and northern parts of Western Australia and Queensland. Tiny Leaf Uvaria is also known as Small-leafed Uvaria.
Tiny Leaf Uvaria displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Tiny Leaf Uvaria produces showy, fragrant flowers in shades of white, yellow, or pink.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tiny Leaf Uvaria?
Water a young or newly planted Tiny Leaf Uvaria 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 Tiny Leaf Uvaria Need?
Tiny Leaf Uvaria thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tiny Leaf Uvaria Prefer?
Uvaria micrantha tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Tiny Leaf Uvaria prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tiny Leaf Uvaria?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Tiny Leaf Uvaria to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tiny Leaf Uvaria?
Feed Tiny Leaf Uvaria 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 Tiny Leaf Uvaria?
Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Tiny Leaf Uvaria is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.
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 Tiny Leaf Uvaria?
Tiny Leaf Uvaria can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 Tiny Leaf Uvaria?
Prune Tiny Leaf Uvaria 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 Tiny Leaf Uvaria in Winter?
Tiny Leaf Uvaria is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). 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 Tiny Leaf Uvaria?
Tiny Leaf Uvaria can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to uvaria chamae plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tiny Leaf Uvaria Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tiny Leaf Uvaria, 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 Tiny Leaf Uvaria?
Tiny Leaf Uvaria is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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 Tiny Leaf Uvaria Need?
Tiny Leaf Uvaria grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Tiny Leaf Uvaria is native to Indo-China, Malesia, New Guinea, and northern parts of Western Australia and Queensland. In cooler regions, grow Tiny Leaf Uvaria as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Tiny Leaf Uvaria 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 Uvaria genus — compare its care with other Uvaria species on PlantoScan.
Uvaria is part of the Annonaceae plant family — browse all Annonaceae genera and species.
Tiny Leaf Uvaria thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Uvaria Species
Other Uvaria species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Uvaria micrantha Hook.f. & Thomson, family Annonaceae (first published in Fl. Ind. 1: 103 (1855)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tiny Leaf Uvaria, 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 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
