Voacanga havilandii Plant Care

Voacanga havilandii (Voacanga havilandii) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Voacanga genus. Voacanga havilandii is native to Borneo.

Voacanga havilandii displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Voacanga havilandii produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Voacanga havilandii 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.

Voacanga havilandii thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

Well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss or compost. Good drainage is essential for Voacanga havilandii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Voacanga havilandii 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss or compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Voacanga havilandii 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.

Voacanga havilandii can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Voacanga havilandii 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.

Voacanga havilandii 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.

Voacanga havilandii can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african voacanga plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Voacanga havilandii 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.

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