Vallea stipularis Plant Care

Vallea stipularis (Vallea stipularis) belongs to the Elaeocarpaceae family within the Vallea genus.

Vallea stipularis displays a tall tree, upright growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Vallea stipularis produces small white fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Vallea stipularis 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.

Vallea stipularis thrives in partial to full sun.

Vallea stipularis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Vallea stipularis prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Vallea stipularis 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 partial to full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Vallea stipularis is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Vallea stipularis can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Vallea stipularis 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.

Vallea stipularis 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.

Vallea stipularis can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to vallea ecuadorensis plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Vallea stipularis is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, leaf miners. 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.

Vallea stipularis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Vallea stipularis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.