Uvaria scabridula Plant Care

Uvaria scabridula (Jessup) L.L.Zhou, Y.C.F.Su & R.M.K.Saunders

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Uvaria scabridula is a species of plants in the custard apple family Annonaceae endemic to Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia. It is a vine with a stem diameter up to 6 cm (2.4 in) which grows in gallery forest and monsoon forest at altitudes from sea level up to 200 m (660 ft).

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Uvaria scabridula?

Plant Uvaria scabridula in partial shade to full sun (USDA zones 13b) 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 Uvaria scabridula Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Uvaria scabridula?

Uvaria scabridula (Uvaria scabridula) belongs to the Annonaceae family within the Uvaria genus. Uvaria scabridula is native to Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia.

Uvaria scabridula displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Uvaria scabridula produces showy, fragrant flowers in shades of white, yellow, or pink.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Uvaria scabridula?

Water a young or newly planted Uvaria scabridula 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 Uvaria scabridula Need?

Uvaria scabridula thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Light Requirement

Partial shade to full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Uvaria scabridula Prefer?

Uvaria scabridula tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Uvaria scabridula 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 Uvaria scabridula?

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Uvaria scabridula to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Uvaria scabridula?

Feed Uvaria scabridula 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 Uvaria scabridula?

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.

Uvaria scabridula 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Uvaria scabridula?

Uvaria scabridula 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 Uvaria scabridula?

Prune Uvaria scabridula 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 Uvaria scabridula in Winter?

Uvaria scabridula 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 Uvaria scabridula?

Uvaria scabridula can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to uvaria chamae plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Uvaria scabridula Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Uvaria scabridula, 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 Uvaria scabridula?

Uvaria scabridula 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 Uvaria scabridula Need?

Uvaria scabridula grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Uvaria scabridula is native to Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia. In cooler regions, grow Uvaria scabridula as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Uvaria scabridula 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.

Uvaria scabridula 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 scabridula (Jessup) L.L.Zhou, Y.C.F.Su & R.M.K.Saunders, family Annonaceae (first published in Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 163: 39 (2010)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Uvaria scabridula, 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 13b, 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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