Teak
tectona grandis
Also known as: ["Burmese Teak","Common Teak","Indian Teak"]
Overview
A large deciduous tree native to South and Southeast Asia, known for its durable and water-resistant timber.
Benefits & Perks
["disease resistant","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Verbenaceae |
| Genus: | Tectona |
| Botanical Name: | Tectona grandis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor plantation in tropical or subtropical regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"20–35°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 organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may grow slower.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent sunburn.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less frequently in dormant periods
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use raised beds for better drainage; avoid compacted soil; mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F / 18–29°C); thrives in tropical climates.
Protect from frost; ensure good air flow in heat; adjust watering with temperature.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (75–85°F / 24–29°C), high humidity (70–90%), partial shade.
Medium
Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment takes several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome.
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 shaping cuts.
Pruning Plan
Prune to shape, remove dead/diseased wood, encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune at right time, make clean cuts, dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; essential for young plants to support growth.
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 deep saturation to encourage deep roots, allow excess water to drain completely, water early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage, incorporate compost for fertility, ensure aeration with organic matter.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl, turn brown, or drop; growth halts; susceptible to frost damage.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, provide frost protection, avoid overwatering in cold.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced growth, or premature leaf drop.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, use correct dilution, apply evenly, avoid foliage contact.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring/summer; dilute liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season; reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicTeak wood and leaves are not considered toxic to cats. Ingestion of small amounts is unlikely to cause adverse effects.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicTeak wood and leaves are not considered toxic to dogs. Ingestion of small amounts is unlikely to cause adverse effects.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicTectona grandis, commonly known as teak, is not considered toxic to humans. The wood and leaves are generally safe for handling and consumption in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is teak wood resistant to water?
A: Yes, teak wood is highly resistant to water due to its natural oils and tight grain structure.
Q: Does teak require a lot of maintenance?
A: Teak trees are relatively low maintenance once established, though they need space to grow.
Q: Is teak suitable for indoor planting?
A: No, teak is a large tree and is best suited for outdoor landscaping.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Verbenaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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