Calabash Tree
crescentia cujete
Also known as: ["Jicaro Tree","Gourd Tree"]
Overview
A tropical tree native to Central and South America, known for its hard-shelled gourds used traditionally for containers and musical instruments.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Genus: | Crescentia |
| Botanical Name: | Crescentia cujete |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in tropical or subtropical regions, or as a container plant in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°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 mix with loam, sand, and organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to maintain shape and health.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may reduce flowering.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh midday sun; ensure proper ventilation if indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; topdress with compost annually.
Temperature
Thrives in 65–85°F (18–29°C); prefers warm, stable conditions; sensitive to frost.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; avoid fertilizing dry soil; flush soil occasionally to prevent buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem, cut below node, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm (75–85°F), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss.
Hormone
Recommended to promote root development.
Timeline
Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bag, misting spray.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning, heading back, and removal of crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the tree, remove dead/diseased branches, encourage airflow and light penetration.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, disinfectant.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, make clean cuts, dispose of debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove old soil, trim roots if needed, use fresh well-draining mix, ensure proper drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and flowering.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, use fresh soil, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensure even saturation, allow excess water to drain, water in the morning.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, stunted growth, yellowing, or wilting in extreme temperatures.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts; may suffer leaf damage or dieback below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection; avoid cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering in prolonged heat above 90°F (32°C).
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute properly, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during growing season; reduce in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCrescentia cujete is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not produce any known compounds that are harmful to felines, and there are no reported cases of toxicity in cats following exposure to this species.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicCrescentia cujete is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not produce any known compounds that are harmful to canines, and there are no reported cases of toxicity in dogs following exposure to this species.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicCrescentia cujete, commonly known as the calabash tree, is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The tree is often utilized for its hard-shelled fruits, which are used in crafts and as containers. There are no documented toxic effects associated with casual contact or ingestion of parts of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Calabash Tree suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it requires a tropical or subtropical outdoor environment to thrive.
Q: What are the traditional uses of the gourds produced by this tree?
A: The hard-shelled gourds are traditionally used for making containers, utensils, and musical instruments.
Q: Does the Calabash Tree produce edible fruit?
A: The gourds are not typically consumed as food but are valued for their utility.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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