African Tulip Tree
dombeya acutangula
Also known as: ["Screw Pine","Wild Pine"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to Madagascar, known for its large, lobed leaves and showy, tulip-shaped flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Dombeya |
| Botanical Name: | Dombeya acutangula |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sheltered spot with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days in dry climates, rarely required otherwise
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or every 2–3 years to maintain shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light, protect from direct midday sun to prevent scorching, adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoors in spring/summer for stronger light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; topdress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); thrives in warm, humid conditions; sensitive to frost.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from cold drafts; maintain humidity in dry heat.
Fertilizing
monthly during spring and summer, every 2 months in fall and winter
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; adjust based on plant growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or layering.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–80°F), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bags or propagator, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning, heading back, and shaping cuts to maintain form.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, encourage bushier growth, remove dead or diseased wood, and manage flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune after flowering, remove dead/diseased wood, shape evenly, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, use fresh well-draining soil, ensure proper drainage, water lightly after repotting.
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, trim roots if necessary, use fresh soil, water lightly, place in shade for recovery.
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, apply until water drains freely from the pot, ensure even moisture without waterlogging, water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage, incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility, use a cactus mix as a base.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, cause leaf drop, and may lead to root damage or death.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, protect from drafts, cover with a frost cloth if outdoors, avoid overwatering in cold.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, water more frequently, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, use diluted fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with leaves, stop in dormant season.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicDombeya acutangula is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented toxic effects in felines after ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicDombeya acutangula is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicDombeya acutangula is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans. The plant has no documented toxic compounds that would cause adverse physiological impacts upon ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Dombeya acutangula grow?
A: It can grow up to 10 meters tall in ideal conditions.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Is it suitable for container planting?
A: No, it is best suited for outdoor landscaping due to its size.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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