Cyrtophyllum fragrans — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Cyrtophyllum fragrans

Cyrtophyllum Fragrans

Updated · 19 observations
ON THIS PLANT

The tembusu, is a large evergreen tree in the family Gentianaceae, native to Southeast Asia. It is the Malay name for Cyrtophyllum fragrans. It is also known as ironwood.

A note from PlantMom

Burma yellow heart is highly resistant to disease and generally does not suffer from illnesses. In terms of upkeep, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger plants usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Burma yellow heartt is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or a deck, and does not demand extensive care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Cyrtophyllum Fragrans.

Light

Burma yellow heart grows best with plentiful sunlight, though it can tolerate moderate light levels. Its native habitat reflects this, consisting of areas that receive a great deal of sun. However, either too much or too little sunlight can harm its health and growth, affecting leaf color and its capacity to bloom.

Water

The Burma yellow heart plant flourishes in high humidity with moist soil, and it has moderate drought tolerance. To keep it healthy, water the plant every two weeks, ensuring that the soil doesn't become waterlogged. Regular misting is beneficial, as it mimics the plant's native tropical environment, promoting optimal growth.

Temperature

Burma yellow heart comes from tropical areas, where the climate is usually warm and humid. Therefore, it is suited to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate sudden temperature changes and favors a stable temperature, so indoor temperature fluctuations should be avoided. It typically cannot withstand cold and needs higher temperatures to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Fertilizer

Early spring, when the Burma yellow heart breaks dormancy, is the best time to apply fertilizer. This encourages overall growth and flower development. Fertilization improves the foliage, stems, and branches, while encouraging larger, more vibrant, and longer-lasting flowers. It helps move nutrients from the roots to the flowers and enhances the plant's health and resistance to disease.

Pruning

For optimal growth and structural integrity, the Burma yellow heart benefits most from pruning in the winter. Regularly removing dead or diseased branches enhances light access, while shaping trims help maintain the plant's natural form. Pruning also encourages denser foliage and more abundant flowering, which are essential for the plant's vibrant health and visual appeal.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Cyrtophyllum
Family
Gentianaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
10.06 m to 24.99 m
Mature Spread
7.92 m to 11.89 m
Leaf Color
Green, Blue
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White, Cream
Flower Size
2.03 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Harvest Time
Late summer, Fall
Native Area
Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Laos, Brunei, Thailand, China
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Burma yellow heart en Tembusu
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Burma yellow heart plant?

Your Burma yellow heart is not very particular about how you water it, so you can use almost any watering tool. Whether it's a watering can, hose, or even a cup, it will work fine for watering your Burma yellow heart. The important thing is to water it directly on the soil, making sure to evenly moisten all areas of the soil to provide water to the entire root system. To avoid harming the plant, it's helpful to use filtered water instead of tap water, as tap water can contain harmful particles. Also, using water at or slightly above room temperature is recommended, as very cold or hot water can be a bit shocking to the Burma yellow heart. However, this plant generally responds well to any kind of water you give it.

Why should I put fertilizer on my Burma yellow heart plant?

There are a few important reasons why fertilizing a Burma yellow heart is necessary. Firstly, using fertilizer can greatly enhance the bloom of your Burma yellow heart. It is recommended to fertilize in the early spring to ensure the best flowers during that season. Secondly, fertilizer provides ample energy for the Burma yellow heart to store in the ground when it is in its dormant growth phases. By giving your plant extra nutrients during fall planting or late spring, you can help it retain more energy for later use when it resumes active growth.

How many hours of sunlight does Burma yellow heart need each day to grow healthy?

To promote healthy growth, it is important to provide Burma yellow heart with a minimum of 3-6 hours of sunlight each day. This duration is actually the minimum requirement, as plants that can tolerate partial sunlight can also flourish in full sunlight. However, due to their lower light needs for photosynthesis, they are more adaptable compared to plants that need either full sunlight or partial shade.

What should I do if I give too much or too little water to my Burma yellow heart plant?

Outdoor plants, especially newly planted ones or seedlings, can easily suffer from not getting enough water. It's important to remember to water them adequately for the first few months, particularly when the plants are small or recently planted. This is because once the roots are established, they can rely on rain for moisture most of the time. When you have a Burma yellow heart plant in a pot, it's more likely to be affected by overwatering. If you accidentally overwater the plant, you should take action right away to fix the situation. Firstly, stop watering the plant immediately to minimize the impact of the overwatering. Then, remove the plant from its pot to check the roots. If you find that none of the roots have developed root rot, you can place the plant back in its container. However, if you notice signs of root rot, trim away the affected roots and consider applying a fungicide to prevent further damage. Lastly, repot the Burma yellow heart in well-draining soil. On the other hand, if your Burma yellow heart is underwatered, you simply need to water it more often. Underwatering is often an easy problem to fix. When a plant is underwatered, its leaves will droop, dry out, and fall off. However, once the plant receives sufficient water, the leaves will quickly regain their fullness. Therefore, it's important to adjust your watering frequency as soon as you notice signs of underwatering.

When should I fertilize my Burma yellow heart plant?

To effectively fertilize Burma yellow heart, timing is crucial. Applying fertilizer too early while the plant is still dormant will be ineffective and will wash away in rainwater, leading to waste and pollution. The recommended approach is to start fertilizing in early spring and continue with monthly applications until early summer.

What kind of sunlight does Burma yellow heart plant need?

Burma yellow heart thrives in full or partial sun. It prefers direct morning light for optimal performance, but during summer it requires shelter from the harsh afternoon sun. In temperate environments, excessive hot afternoon sun can scorch the leaves, leading to a decline in the plant's overall health and appearance.

How frequently should I give water to my Burma yellow heart?

To help your plants grow well outdoors, they usually rely on rainfall. But if your area doesn't get much rain, you'll need to water them every 2 weeks in spring and fall, more often in summer, and less often in winter. In fact, during winter, you might not need to water them at all. However, if you have a young or newly planted Burma yellow heart, it's important to water it more frequently to help it grow and adapt to drought conditions. For potted plants like the Burma yellow heart, there are two main ways to decide how often to water them. The first way is to stick to a consistent watering schedule, like once a week or once every other week. But be aware that this may not always be suitable for your specific growing conditions. Another approach is to check the moisture in the soil. Ideally, you should wait until the top two to four inches of soil (about ⅓ to ½ of the pot's depth) have completely dried out before watering again. This method takes into account the plant's water needs in different seasons. For example, during summer, when the plant requires more water, a predetermined schedule may not be enough.

When is it not a good time to fertilize my Burma yellow heart plant?

To ensure optimal growth of Burma yellow heart, it is important to consider the nitrogen levels in the fertilizer. Avoid using a fertilizer with high nitrogen content, as this can result in excessive leaf growth but few blooms. Instead, choose a fertilizer that has a lower nitrogen level compared to other nutrients. Timing is also crucial when it comes to fertilizing this plant. Avoid fertilizing after the early autumn, as this can cause excessive growth just before winter, which may not be beneficial for the plant. Additionally, refrain from fertilizing during hot and dry periods, as dry soil is not as effective in delivering the nutrients from the fertilizer. Fertilizing during these times can stimulate growth that requires more water, which may not be readily available. It is best to apply fertilizer earlier in the season when temperatures are cooler. Keep in mind that Burma yellow heart can absorb fertilizer from nearby plants or lawns, so be cautious not to inadvertently give the tree or shrub a double dose of fertilizer.

Can sunlight harm Burma yellow heart? How can we keep Burma yellow heart safe from sun and heat damage?

When moving Burma yellow heart plants from indoors to outdoors, direct sunlight can easily damage them. To prevent sunburns, it is best to gradually move the pots from a shaded area to a brighter spot. Even if the plants are used to the sun, extreme heat can still harm them. In hot weather, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist to help the plants cope with the excessive heat. To protect sensitive Burma yellow heart plants during extreme weather events, such as a heatwave, you can move them to areas with afternoon shade or use a shade cloth to provide extra protection.

How much water does my Burma yellow heart plant need?

Watering your Burma yellow heart may not always require a lot of water. If only a few inches of soil have dried since your last watering, giving it about five to ten ounces of water each time should be enough to promote healthy growth. You can also adjust the amount of water depending on the moisture level of the soil. Take note of how many inches of soil have dried out between waterings. To ensure the plant receives enough moisture, water the plant until all layers of dry soil become moistened. If more than half of the soil has dried out, you may need to provide more water than usual. In such cases, continue watering until excess water drains from the pot's holes. If your Burma yellow heart is planted outside and receives plenty of rain, it may not need additional watering. For young or newly established plants, ensure they receive 1-2 inches of rain per week. As the plant grows and establishes itself, it can rely solely on rainwater. Only during hot weather with a lack of rainfall for 2-3 weeks should you consider giving it a thorough watering to prevent stress.

What kind of fertilizer does my Burma yellow heart plant need?

To optimize the growth of your Burma yellow heart plant, it is recommended to use a fertilizer that contains a balanced mix of the three main plant nutrients, with slightly more phosphorus. An alternative approach is to enhance the soil by incorporating organic materials like compost, worm castings, and manure. Experienced gardeners may choose to supplement with water-soluble fertilizers rich in phosphorus 1-2 times when flower buds start to form. This practice promotes better flower development, enabling larger and longer-lasting blooms. Various forms of fertilizers are available, with liquid or powdered options being especially effective for Burma yellow heart. Regardless of the chosen form, remember to dilute the fertilizer and apply it while watering the plant.

Should I keep Burma yellow heart away from the sun?

Burma yellow heart thrives in bright morning sun and some full sun exposure. However, the intense midday sun of summer can be too much for it to handle. If planted in the ground, Burma yellow heart can adapt gradually to the increasing intensity of the summer sun. But if it is a potted plant that has been indoors or in a protected location, it may suffer damage when suddenly exposed to direct summer sun in the hottest part of the day. To protect the plant from the harsh afternoon sun, it is recommended to plant or place it in a shaded area, such as an understory location under taller trees or plants, or near a building or landscape feature.