Hevea microphylla
Hevea microphylla · Euphorbiaceae
⚠️ Sève contient des protéines allergisantes et toxiques : irritation cutanée et troubles digestifs par contact/ingestion chez chats, chiens et enfants.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around hevea microphylla and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Hevea microphylla
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Type
- Tree
- Adult height
- Approximately 2 m
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Origin
- Amazon (Brazil, Peru)
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged; water regularly from April to October. In winter, cut back significantly but never let it dry out completely—foliage yellows quickly if the roots suffer.
The common mistake
Thinking 'water-loving' means constant soaking; it tolerates humidity but dreads prolonged root waterlogging.
The pro's trick
Plant it in a pot with good drainage and rich potting mix; you'll have better control over watering and vigor.
Care
Light Exposure
Place this tree in full sun for optimal growth and good fruiting. A minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily is recommended. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade can help prevent water stress.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist during the growing season, especially in hot and dry periods. Water deeply but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter or dry season.
Soil
Choose rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Adding organic matter (compost, potting soil) at planting time will promote establishment. Avoid overly compact or chalky soils.
Fertilizing and Nutrition
Apply balanced fertilizer (NPK) every two to three months during the growing season. You can also use specialized fruit tree fertilizer. Reduce applications during dormancy.
Pruning and Training
Pruning is not strictly necessary, but you can prune lightly to shape the plant and remove dead or crossing branches. Perform this in early spring, before growth resumes.
Health and Protection
Hevea microphylla is generally hardy, but may be susceptible to certain tropical pests (scale insects, spider mites) in warm indoor cultivation. Inspect foliage regularly and intervene quickly if infestation occurs. Good drainage also limits fungal problems.
Did you know?
Hevea microphylla belongs to the same family as the classic rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), famous for producing natural rubber. Though less well-known, this Amazonian species also produces latex, but it's mainly cultivated for its edible fruits and ornamental interest. Its name "microphylla" literally means "small leaves," distinguishing it from its cousins with broader foliage.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Wood spurgeEuphorbia amygdaloides
- Caper spurgeEuphorbia lathyris
- Albanian spurgeEuphorbia characias
- Spiny spurgeEuphorbia spinosa
- Garden crotonCodiaeum variegatum
- Griffith's spurgeEuphorbia griffithii
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.