Garcinia subelliptica — an easy houseplant, prefers partial sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Garcinia subelliptica

Garcinia Subelliptica

Updated · 5 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Garcinia subelliptica, commonly known as the happiness or Fukugi tree, is an evergreen tree found in coastal forests of East and Southeast Asia, specifically the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India.

A note from PlantMom

Common garcinia is resistant to disease and generally not prone to illnesses. Carewise, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. Planted outdoors, it needs little watering, and larger plants usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Common garcinia is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much gardening experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Garcinia Subelliptica.

Light

The common garcinia does best in direct sunlight. Its photosynthetic activity rises, enabling healthy growth when exposed to strong sunlight. In its native environment, it prospers with continuous sun exposure. However, without enough sun it can experience stunted growth or unusual leaf shapes. Excessive exposure without acclimation can also cause photodamage.

Water

Common garcinia originates from tropical, humid environments, where it thrives with consistent moisture. It prefers to be watered every two weeks. As an evergreen plant, it flourishes outdoors, benefiting from natural rainfall that helps maintain its lush foliage throughout the year.

Temperature

Common garcinia adapts well to temperature, tolerating higher heat and wide temperature fluctuations. In hot weather, care should be taken with watering and suitable shading should be provided to prevent sunburn. However, Common garcinia is relatively intolerant of low temperatures; although it can endure some cold, excessively low temperatures can cause frost damage.

Fertilizer

Timing is essential when fertilizing Common garcinia. Apply fertilizer in early spring and repeat monthly until early summer. Fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth stages.

Pruning

The common garcinia is an evergreen plant noted for its robust growth and glossy leaves. To maintain its health and appearance, prune the plant from early to late winter. This will help improve its shape, increase airflow, and remove any dead branches. Regular pruning not only promotes the plant's health but also enhances its aesthetic appeal. Be sure to use clean tools during the process, and inspect the plant afterward to ensure a balanced structure.

Pot & Repot

To ensure optimal growth for common garcinia, repot the plant every 2-3 years during the spring. Use a larger pot to accommodate root expansion. After repotting, place the plant in a well-lit area and water it moderately to help it recover. Its hardy nature makes post-care easy, promoting thriving growth.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Garcinia
Family
Clusiaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
6.1 m to 20.12 m
Mature Spread
1.07 m
Leaf Color
Green, Red
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
1.52 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
Mid summer
Native Area
Indonesia, Philippines, Japan
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Happiness tree
PLATES
Garcinia subelliptica leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Garcinia subelliptica leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Garcinia subelliptica bark
PLATE 03 · bark
Garcinia subelliptica bark
PLATE 04 · bark
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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