Wilkiea cordata Plant Care

Wilkiea cordata Whiffin

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Wilkiea cordata is a species of flowering plant in the family Monimiaceae, and is endemic to north-east Queensland. It is a shrub or small tree with oblong leaves, male and female flowers on separate plants, male flowers with stamens in 2 pairs, female flowers with about 25 carpels, and the fruit is an oval drupe with a yellow receptacle with an orange tinge.

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Wilkiea cordata?

Plant Wilkiea cordata in partial shade to full shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Wilkiea cordata Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Wilkiea cordata?

Wilkiea cordata (Wilkiea cordata) belongs to the Monimiaceae family within the Wilkiea genus. Wilkiea cordata is native to north-east Queensland.

Wilkiea cordata displays a small tree, shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Wilkiea cordata produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Wilkiea cordata?

Water a young or newly planted Wilkiea cordata 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 Wilkiea cordata Need?

Wilkiea cordata thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Wilkiea cordata in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Partial shade to full shade

100–500 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wilkiea cordata Prefer?

Wilkiea cordata tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Wilkiea cordata prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–75°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wilkiea cordata?

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Wilkiea cordata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Wilkiea cordata?

Feed Wilkiea cordata 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 Wilkiea cordata?

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

Wilkiea cordata 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Wilkiea cordata?

Wilkiea cordata can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 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 Wilkiea cordata?

Prune Wilkiea cordata 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 Wilkiea cordata in Winter?

Wilkiea cordata 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 Wilkiea cordata?

Wilkiea cordata can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wilkiea angustifolia plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Wilkiea cordata Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Wilkiea cordata, 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 Wilkiea cordata?

Wilkiea cordata is susceptible to aphids, 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 Wilkiea cordata Need?

Wilkiea cordata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Wilkiea cordata is native to north-east Queensland. In cooler regions, grow Wilkiea cordata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Wilkiea cordata 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 Wilkiea genus — compare its care with other Wilkiea species on PlantoScan.

Wilkiea is part of the Monimiaceae plant family — browse all Monimiaceae genera and species.

Wilkiea cordata copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.

More Wilkiea Species

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

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Wilkiea cordata Whiffin, family Monimiaceae (first published in Fl. Australia 2: 453 (2007)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Wilkiea cordata, 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 13a, 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.

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