Uvaria pierreana Plant Care

Uvariastrum pierreanum Engl. & Diels

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This rare plant is known for its striking variegated leaves with contrasting white veins, resembling intricate lace patterns. Originating from tropical regions of Africa, Uvariastrum pierreanum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage that adds a touch of elegance to any indoor garden.

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 pierreana?

Plant Uvaria pierreana in partial shade to full sun (USDA zones 11a–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 Uvaria pierreana Native To?

Native range12 countries

What Is the Uvaria pierreana?

Uvaria pierreana (Uvariastrum pierreanum) belongs to the Annonaceae family within the Uvariastrum genus. Uvaria pierreana is native to Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, the Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and the Republic of the Congo. Uvaria pierreana is also known as Mitrephora pierreana.

Uvaria pierreana displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Uvaria pierreana produces showy, fragrant flowers in shades of white, yellow, or pink.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Uvaria pierreana?

Water a young or newly planted Uvaria pierreana 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 pierreana Need?

Uvaria pierreana thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Light Requirement

Partial shade to full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Uvaria pierreana Prefer?

Uvariastrum pierreanum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Uvaria pierreana 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 pierreana?

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Uvaria pierreana to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Uvaria pierreana?

Feed Uvaria pierreana 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 pierreana?

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Uvaria pierreana is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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 Uvaria pierreana?

Uvaria pierreana can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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.

How Do You Prune a Uvaria pierreana?

Prune Uvaria pierreana 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 pierreana in Winter?

Uvaria pierreana is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). 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 pierreana?

Uvaria pierreana can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to uvariastrum hexaloboides plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Uvaria pierreana Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Uvaria pierreana, 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 pierreana?

Uvaria pierreana 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 pierreana Need?

Uvaria pierreana grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Uvaria pierreana is native to Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, the Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and the Republic of the Congo. In cooler regions, grow Uvaria pierreana as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 11a – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Uvaria pierreana 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 Uvariastrum genus — compare its care with other Uvariastrum species on PlantoScan.

Uvariastrum is part of the Annonaceae plant family — browse all Annonaceae genera and species.

Uvaria pierreana thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Uvariastrum pierreanum Engl. & Diels, family Annonaceae (first published in Monogr. Afrik. Pflanzen-Fam. 6: 32 (1901)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Uvaria pierreana, 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 11a – 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.

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