Hieronyma oblonga
Hieronyma oblonga · Phyllanthaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around hieronyma oblonga and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring to early summer, discrete flowers
- Adult size
- 15 to 25 m in height
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Tropical, sensitive to cold
- Origin
- Central and South America
- Soil type
- Rich, well-draining, fertile soil
- Exposure
- Bright light, part shade tolerated
Care
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist during the growing season, without creating waterlogging. During dry periods, water more frequently; the tree tolerates prolonged drought poorly. Reduce watering in winter in regions with a cold season.
Light Exposure
Place the plant in bright light, ideally in part shade in very hot regions. Hieronyma oblonga appreciates abundant light but can tolerate partial shade. Avoid overly arid exposures.
Soil Preparation
Prepare a substrate rich in organic matter, well-draining and fertile. Regularly enrich with compost or mulch to maintain moisture and structure. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is optimal.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice monthly during the growing season. Prefer slow-release formulas or well-decomposed compost. Reduce fertilization in winter or during cool periods.
Pruning and Structure
Prune mainly to remove dead or poorly positioned branches. With young plants, structure the form by favoring a central dominant stem. Avoid severe pruning, which weakens the tree.
Health and Protection
Watch for mealybugs and aphids in indoor climates. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Maintain regular hygiene and apply preventive treatments if necessary.
Did you know?
Hieronyma oblonga, also called 'árbol de lleche' in Colombia, is a natural latex producer: its leaves and bark exude white milk when cut, traditionally used by local populations. This tree plays a major ecological role in tropical forests, providing fruit and shelter to numerous wildlife species.
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
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- Phyllanthus hirtellusPhyllanthus hirtellus
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.