Chinese Xylosma Plant Care

Chinese Xylosma (Xylosma capillipes) belongs to the Salicaceae family within the Xylosma genus. Chinese Xylosma is native to New Caledonia. Chinese Xylosma is also known as Bamboo-leaf Xylosma.

Chinese Xylosma displays an upright, dense shrub growth habit, reaching up to 8 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Chinese Xylosma produces small clusters of inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chinese Xylosma 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.

Chinese Xylosma thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Xylosma capillipes tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Chinese Xylosma prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Chinese Xylosma 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 loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chinese Xylosma is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 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.

Chinese Xylosma can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 8 ft (2 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.

Prune Chinese Xylosma 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.

Chinese Xylosma is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chinese Xylosma can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to shiny xylosma plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Chinese Xylosma 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.

Chinese Xylosma grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Chinese Xylosma is native to New Caledonia. In cooler regions, grow Chinese Xylosma as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.