Hernandia sonora
Images by part: leaf (5) · flower (0) · fruit (5) · bark (4) · habit (0) · other (0)

Hernandia sonora

Mago · Jack-in-the-box tree

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
20–35 °C
Soil pH
5–6
Hardiness
Zone 10–10
Click count
4
Observations
16

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun

The lantern tree grows best when exposed to full sunlight for most of the day, though it can tolerate moderately sunny conditions. Coming from very sun‑filled habitats, too little light can impair its health, while excessive sun can also be harmful.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–35°C

Lantern tree originates from habitats with temperatures between 68 and 95 °F (20 to 35 °C). It performs best in these conditions, showing optimal growth within that warmth range. Temperatures should be adjusted seasonally to replicate these ideal conditions.

Ideal temperature: 20–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 5-6
Soil pH: 5-6
🌱 Fertilizer

The ideal time to fertilize a Lantern tree is in early spring when it breaks dormancy. This stimulates overall growth and supports flower development. Applying fertilizer improves the foliage, stems, and branches and encourages flowers that are larger, more vibrant, and longer-lasting. It also aids the movement of nutrients from the roots to the blooms and enhances the plant’s health and resistance to disease.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Hernandia
Family
Hernandiaceae
Hardiness Zone
10
Mature Height
4.88 m to 21.95 m
Mature Spread
6.1 m to 17.98 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
0.51 cm to 0.76 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Fall, Early winter
Native Area
Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Madagascar, Fiji, Kenya, Tanzania, China, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Japan, Singapore, Thailand

Tags (5)

Common Names (2)

en Mago
en Jack-in-the-box tree