Wilkiea pubescens Plant Care
Wilkiea pubescens (Benth.) Whiffin & Foreman
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Wilkiea pubescens is a species of flowering plant in the family Monimiaceae, and is endemic to north Queensland. It is a shrub or small tree with elliptic leaves and male and female flowers on separate plants.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Wilkiea pubescens?
Plant Wilkiea pubescens 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 pubescens Native To?
What Is the Wilkiea pubescens?
Wilkiea pubescens (Wilkiea pubescens) belongs to the Monimiaceae family within the Wilkiea genus. Wilkiea pubescens is native to north Queensland.
Wilkiea pubescens displays a small tree, shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Wilkiea pubescens produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Wilkiea pubescens?
Water a young or newly planted Wilkiea pubescens 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 pubescens Need?
Wilkiea pubescens thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Wilkiea pubescens 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 pubescens Prefer?
Wilkiea pubescens tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Wilkiea pubescens 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 pubescens?
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Wilkiea pubescens to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Wilkiea pubescens?
Feed Wilkiea pubescens 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 pubescens?
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 pubescens 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 pubescens?
Wilkiea pubescens 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 pubescens?
Prune Wilkiea pubescens 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 pubescens in Winter?
Wilkiea pubescens 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 pubescens?
Wilkiea pubescens 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 pubescens Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Wilkiea pubescens, 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 pubescens?
Wilkiea pubescens 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 pubescens Need?
Wilkiea pubescens grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Wilkiea pubescens is native to north Queensland. In cooler regions, grow Wilkiea pubescens as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Wilkiea pubescens 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 pubescens 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 pubescens (Benth.) Whiffin & Foreman, family Monimiaceae (first published in Fl. Australia 2: 451 (2007)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Wilkiea pubescens, 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.
