Heptapleurum arboricola image • Photo: Author JMK• GFDL
Heptapleurum arboricola is an evergreen shrub or epiphyte growing 8-9 m tall in natural settings, with palmately compound leaves featuring 7-9 glossy green leaflets (9-20 cm long) that have a leathery texture and wedge-shaped base. Young plants display smaller leaves and fewer leaflets. Notable features include panicles of 5-10 yellow-green flowers (2.5 mm petals) in summer to early autumn, followed by 5mm oval drupes that transition from orange to red-violet. Distinctive traits include aerial root formation under high humidity and root-bound conditions, giving it an unusual appearance.
Plant Care Overview
Care Guide
Essential requirements for your Heptapleurum arboricola
Light Requirements
Bright indirect light (adaptable to various light levels)
Light conditions can affect leaf color and growth rate. Adjust placement as needed based on your plant's response.
Watering Schedule
When soil dries out between waterings
Humidity Needs
high humidity
Always check soil moisture before watering. Adjust frequency based on your home's conditions.
Temperature Range
Native Climate
Native to Hainan Province (China) and Taiwan
Keep away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioners which can stress your plant.
Soil Type
Well-drained potting mix
Fertilizer
Balanced houseplant fertilizer during growing season
Consider repotting every 1-2 years to refresh soil nutrients and accommodate growth.
Propagation
Methods to grow more Heptapleurum arboricola plants
Stem cuttings rooted in soil or water
Plant Info
Characteristics and background information
Hainan Province (China) and Taiwan
fast
Up to 8-9 m tall in natural settings, typically 2-3 m when grown indoors
Perennial
Toxic to pets
Bloom Season
Midsummer to early autumn
Flower Description
Small yellow-green flowers arranged in 20cm panicles of 7-10mm umbels with double perianth radial symmetry
Fun Fact
Can develop decorative aerial roots when root-bound and kept in high humidity conditions
Troubleshooting
Solutions for typical issues with your Heptapleurum arboricola
Yellowing leaves, mushy stems, foul soil odor
Fine webbing on leaves, yellow speckling on foliage
Sudden loss of leaves
Varieties
Different varieties of Heptapleurum arboricola
Popular variegated cultivar with glossy green leaves edged in creamy-yellow
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Care Guides
Detailed guides for caring for your Heptapleurum arboricola
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