Fiddlewood
citharexylum spinosum
Also known as: ["West Indian Fiddlewood","Fiddlewood Tree"]
Overview
A medium-sized evergreen tree native to the Caribbean and tropical Americas, known for its fragrant flowers and hard wood.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Verbenaceae |
| Genus: | Citharexylum |
| Botanical Name: | Citharexylum spinosum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in warm climates, or large indoor pot in bright, sunny area
- Suitable For:
- 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.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- 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 needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on outdoor vs. indoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; monitor for sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Use raised beds for better drainage, avoid compacted soil, mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in tropical conditions.
Protect from frost, provide shade in extreme heat, maintain consistent warmth for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Dilute fertilizer to half strength, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with roots.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in spring/summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, keep warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots in 4–6 weeks; establish in 3–4 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator, misting bottle.
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 to maintain form.
Pruning Plan
Shape plant, encourage bushier growth, remove dead or diseased wood, improve air circulation.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy, make clean cuts, remove dead/diseased wood, shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Use fresh well-draining soil, trim rootbound roots, ensure drainage holes are clear, water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Check root boundness, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly, place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, 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 to drain, water in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when 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
Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or wilting in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold; vulnerable to frost damage.
Solution: Move to a sheltered location, provide frost protection, avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or leaf drop in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, water deeply but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute properly, water before fertilizing, apply evenly, rinse tools after use.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume the berries. The toxicity is generally low, but caution is advised due to the potential for more sensitive reactions in felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of the berries may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxic compounds are not highly potent, but can cause discomfort if consumed in large amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Citharexylum spinosum contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to the digestive system, with no known systemic toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Fiddlewood toxic to pets?
A: No, Fiddlewood is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does Fiddlewood attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its fragrant flowers.
Q: How difficult is it to care for Fiddlewood?
A: It has moderate care difficulty, requiring regular maintenance and attention to soil moisture.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Verbenaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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