Brazilian Rosewood
vouacapoua americana
Also known as: ["Brazilian Rosewood","Cuban Rosewood"]
Overview
A large, slow-growing tree native to the Amazon rainforest, valued for its hard, dense timber and ecological importance.
Benefits & Perks
["rare/collector’s item","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Vouacapoua |
| Botanical Name: | Vouacapoua americana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: tropical or subtropical garden, protected from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"20–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil with organic matter; cactus mix amended with compost works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very high
- Toughness Level: very 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 to rejuvenate the plant.
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, adjust placement based on season and intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
expert onlymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-draining, rich in organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Use a mix of peat, perlite, and sand; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); thrives in warm, humid conditions; sensitive to frost.
Avoid drafts, maintain stable temperatures, protect from extreme fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 2 months during active growth
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options for slow release.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are more reliable 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
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (75–85°F), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep medium consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning, heading back, and shaping cuts to maintain form.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, make clean cuts, remove dead/diseased wood, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before the active growing season starts.
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 outgrow the pot; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if necessary, use fresh soil, water after repotting.
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, ensure even moisture distribution, allow excess water to drain, 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 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 bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, may lead to root damage or death in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Protect from frost, move indoors in winter, maintain consistent temperatures above 50°F (10°C).
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced vigor, or leaf drop due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with roots, stop in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid winter feeding.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicVouacapoua americana is not toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known toxic compounds that would harm felines if ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicVouacapoua americana is not toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic substances in this plant that would pose a risk to canine health upon ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicVouacapoua americana, commonly known as the Brazilian Rosewood, is not considered toxic to humans. The plant has no known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Vouacapoua americana endangered?
A: Yes, it is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN due to overexploitation for timber.
Q: What is the wood used for?
A: Its dense, durable wood is used for high-quality furniture, musical instruments, and construction.
Q: Does it require special care?
A: It requires a tropical climate, deep soil, and protection from frost, making it challenging to cultivate outside its native habitat.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | expert only |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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