Uvariodendron pycnophyllum Plant Care

Uvariodendron pycnophyllum (Diels) R.E.Fr.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant's large, glossy leaves with prominent veins make it a standout in any collection. Originating from the tropical forests of Madagascar, its unique foliage and compact growth habit make it highly sought after by plant collectors looking to add a touch of exotic beauty to their indoor jungle.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Uvariodendron pycnophyllum?

Plant Uvariodendron pycnophyllum in partial shade to full sun (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–14 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 Uvariodendron pycnophyllum Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Uvariodendron pycnophyllum?

Uvariodendron pycnophyllum (Uvariodendron pycnophyllum) belongs to the Annonaceae family within the Uvariodendron genus. Uvariodendron pycnophyllum is native to Tanzania. Uvariodendron pycnophyllum is also known as Uvariodendron angolense, Uvariopsis angolensis.

Uvariodendron pycnophyllum displays a tall tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Uvariodendron pycnophyllum produces small greenish-yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Uvariodendron pycnophyllum?

Water a young or newly planted Uvariodendron pycnophyllum 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Uvariodendron pycnophyllum Need?

Uvariodendron pycnophyllum thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Light Requirement

Partial shade to full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Uvariodendron pycnophyllum Prefer?

Uvariodendron pycnophyllum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Uvariodendron pycnophyllum prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Uvariodendron pycnophyllum?

Rich, well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Uvariodendron pycnophyllum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Uvariodendron pycnophyllum?

Feed Uvariodendron pycnophyllum 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 Uvariodendron pycnophyllum?

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

Uvariodendron pycnophyllum 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 Uvariodendron pycnophyllum?

Uvariodendron pycnophyllum can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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 Uvariodendron pycnophyllum?

Prune Uvariodendron pycnophyllum 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 Uvariodendron pycnophyllum in Winter?

Uvariodendron pycnophyllum 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 Uvariodendron pycnophyllum?

Uvariodendron pycnophyllum can be propagated through seeds, air-layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african nutmeg plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Uvariodendron pycnophyllum Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Uvariodendron pycnophyllum, 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 Uvariodendron pycnophyllum?

Uvariodendron pycnophyllum is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. 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 Uvariodendron pycnophyllum Need?

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

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Uvariodendron pycnophyllum 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 Uvariodendron genus — compare its care with other Uvariodendron species on PlantoScan.

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

Uvariodendron pycnophyllum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Uvariodendron Species

Other Uvariodendron species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Uvariodendron pycnophyllum (Diels) R.E.Fr., family Annonaceae (first published in Acta Horti Berg. 10: 58 (1930)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Uvariodendron pycnophyllum, 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.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
Uvariodendron pycnophyllum Instantly

Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species