Cecropia pachystachya — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Cecropia pachystachya

Cecropia Pachystachya

Updated · 31 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Cecropia pachystachya, commonly known as Ambay pumpwood, is a species of tree in the family Urticaceae. It is native to Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil where it grows near the edges of moist forests.

A note from PlantMom

Ambay pumpwood is resistant to disease and is not usually susceptible to illnesses. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only occasional watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be trimmed after they finish blooming. Ambay pumpwood is suitable for anyone who has an outdoor area, such as a garden or a deck, and it does not demand much prior care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Cecropia Pachystachya.

Light

Ambay pumpwood is native to open habitats, such as sunny meadows and forest edges, where light is abundant. It performs best in Full Sun but can also tolerate Partial Sun, adapting well to different sunlight conditions.

Temperature

Ambay pumpwood comes from tropical areas, where the weather is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is well suited to high temperatures and moisture. It does not tolerate sudden temperature shifts and prefers a constant temperature, so avoiding fluctuations indoors is important. It normally cannot endure cold conditions and needs warmer temperatures to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize an Ambay pumpwood is in early spring as it comes out of dormancy. This encourages overall growth and supports flower development. Fertilizing improves the foliage, stems, and branches, while encouraging flowers that are large, vibrant, and long-lasting. It also helps move nutrients from the roots to the flowers and enhances the plant’s health and resistance to disease.

Pruning

The Ambay pumpwood is characterized by its broad leaves and rapid growth. To keep it healthy and well-shaped, regular pruning is essential. This involves removing dead branches and thinning out dense areas, ideally during early spring. Using the right tools and employing careful pruning techniques can help minimize stress on the plant, boost its disease resistance, and strengthen its branches.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Cecropia
Family
Urticaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
10.06 m to 20.12 m
Mature Spread
6.1 m to 10.06 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Light Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Size
5.08 cm to 10.16 cm
Bloom Time
All year round
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
All year round
Native Area
Brazil
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Ambay pumpwood en Cecropia
PLATES
Cecropia pachystachya leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Cecropia pachystachya leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Cecropia pachystachya fruit
PLATE 03 · fruit
Cecropia pachystachya bark
PLATE 04 · bark
Cecropia pachystachya habit
PLATE 05 · habit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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