Tipu Tree, Pride of Bolivia

tipuana tipu

Also known as: ["Yellow Poinciana","Rosewood Tree"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Tipuana Category: Trees

Overview

A large deciduous tree native to South America, known for its vibrant yellow flowers and hard wood.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Tipuana
Botanical Name: Tipuana tipu

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a spacious area with plenty of sunlight
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with amendments.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates; ensure adequate spacing for light penetration.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper drainage.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid sudden light changes.

Watering

every 7–14 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings

Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, and avoid frequent shallow watering.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with some sand

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Avoid heavy clay soils; amend with compost; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Thrives in warm conditions (65–85°F or 18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but prefers frost-free environments.

Monitor temperature extremes; adjust watering and light accordingly; protect from sudden temperature shifts.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)

Fertilize lightly to avoid root burn; apply before watering to aid absorption; stop in fall to prepare for dormancy.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Apply rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid, and bright but indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning and heading back to shape the canopy; avoid excessive topping.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, remove deadwood, and encourage airflow; focus on structural improvement.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune dead or crossing branches; shape for airflow; avoid over-pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Move to a pot one size larger (2–3 inches wider in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; use fresh, well-draining soil; ensure proper drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for young plants to encourage growth.

Checklist

Prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches; allow excess water to drain freely; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and leaf wetness.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 3–4 weeks in fall and winter; adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with organic matter.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf drop, yellowing, or stunted growth in cold; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf drop; prolonged cold can damage roots and lead to dieback.

Solution: Protect with frost cloth in cold snaps; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; avoid overwatering in cool weather.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can scorch leaves, cause wilting, and reduce flowering; may lead to drought stress.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring/summer; dilute liquid fertilizers; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Tipuana tipu can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as spider mites or scale insects, which disrupt nutrient uptake and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Tipuana tipu is often a sign of water stress, either due to insufficient watering or root damage from pests or diseases, which affects the plant's ability to transport water and nutrients.

Leaf spots on Tipuana tipu may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop if the infection is severe.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Tipuana tipu if the soil is poorly drained or excessively watered, leading to the decay of roots and lower stems, which can ultimately cause plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

The seeds are toxic to cats, with rotenone posing a risk to their respiratory and nervous systems. Cats are particularly sensitive to such compounds, and ingestion can lead to serious health issues.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea tremors respiratory distress
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the seeds. Contact a veterinarian immediately if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Toxic

The seeds are toxic to dogs due to the presence of rotenone, which can cause significant gastrointestinal upset and, in severe cases, respiratory distress. The compound is particularly harmful to small animals.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep seeds out of reach of dogs. Seek veterinary attention if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

The seeds of Tipuana tipu contain rotenone, a compound that can interfere with cellular respiration, leading to potential neurological and gastrointestinal disturbances upon ingestion. The effects are generally mild to moderate in humans.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of seeds. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Tipu Tree suitable for small gardens?

A: No, due to its large size, it is best suited for spacious landscapes.

Q: Does the Tipu Tree require frequent watering?

A: No, it is drought tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.

Q: Are the seeds of the Tipu Tree edible?

A: No, the seeds are not typically consumed by humans or animals.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–14 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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