Vatica adenanii Plant Care

Vatica adenanii Meekiong, Nizam, Latiff, Tawan & Yahud

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant is easily recognizable by its large, glossy, elliptical leaves that have a unique red hue on the underside. Originating from Borneo, Malaysia, Vatica adenanii is highly sought after by plant collectors for its stunning foliage and tropical appearance, making it a prized addition to any indoor garden or collection.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

60–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Vatica adenanii?

Plant Vatica adenanii in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 11b–12b) 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 8 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Vatica adenanii Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the Vatica adenanii?

Vatica adenanii (Vatica adenanii) belongs to the Dipterocarpaceae family within the Vatica genus. Vatica adenanii is native to Borneo.

Vatica adenanii displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 100 ft tall with a spread of approximately 50 ft. Vatica adenanii produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Vatica adenanii?

Water a young or newly planted Vatica adenanii 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 Vatica adenanii Need?

Vatica adenanii thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Vatica adenanii Prefer?

Vatica adenanii tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Vatica adenanii prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

60–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Vatica adenanii?

Well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Vatica adenanii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Vatica adenanii?

Feed Vatica adenanii every 8 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 8 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 Vatica adenanii?

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

Vatica adenanii is suited to USDA Zone 11b – 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 Vatica adenanii?

Vatica adenanii can spread to about 50 ft (15.2 m) and reach about 100 ft (30 m) tall. Space plants about 50 ft (15.2 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 Vatica adenanii?

Prune Vatica adenanii 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 Vatica adenanii in Winter?

Vatica adenanii 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 Vatica adenanii?

Vatica adenanii can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white meranti plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Vatica adenanii Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Vatica adenanii, 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 Vatica adenanii?

Vatica adenanii is susceptible to bark beetles, leaf miners, caterpillars. 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 Vatica adenanii Need?

Vatica adenanii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. Vatica adenanii is native to Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Vatica adenanii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 11b – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Vatica adenanii 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 Vatica genus — compare its care with other Vatica species on PlantoScan.

Vatica is part of the Dipterocarpaceae plant family — browse all Dipterocarpaceae genera and species.

Vatica adenanii thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Vatica Species

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

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Vatica adenanii Meekiong, Nizam, Latiff, Tawan & Yahud, family Dipterocarpaceae (first published in Folia Malaysiana 15: 84 (2014)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Vatica adenanii, 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 11b – 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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