Yellow Poinciana, Copperpod, Yellow Flamboyant
peltophorum pterocarpum
Also known as: ["Copperpod","Yellow Flamboyant","Bata","Yellow Poinciana"]
Overview
A medium-sized deciduous tree native to tropical regions, known for its vibrant yellow flowers and bipinnate leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Peltophorum |
| Botanical Name: | Peltophorum pterocarpum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in tropical or subtropical regions
- 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 root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; can tolerate slightly sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or every 2–3 years for mature trees.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed to rejuvenate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may flower less.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent leaf scorch.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing near reflective surfaces that intensify sunlight.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, fertile loam with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good aeration, avoid compacted soil, check pH periodically, amend as needed.
Temperature
Thrives in warm conditions (65–85°F or 18–29°C); prefers stable temperatures, sensitive to frost.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain humidity in dry, hot conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer before watering to prevent root burn; use organic options like compost for slow release; 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 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (75–85°F or 24–29°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite, peat moss, and sand; can also use a cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–4 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, plastic wrap or dome, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning, heading back, and removal of crossing branches; avoid excessive pruning in one session.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage flowering; best done after flowering or in late winter.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune at the right time, make clean cuts, remove dead/diseased wood, avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots to prevent waterlogging.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose right pot size, prepare new soil, trim roots if needed, water after repotting, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt, turn yellow, or drop; growth slows or halts; severe cold can cause dieback or death.
Solution: Move container plants indoors or to a sheltered location; apply mulch to protect roots; use frost cloth for outdoor plants.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or leaf drop due to excessive heat and water loss.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering, use mulch to retain moisture, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, dilute correctly, apply during growing season, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and summer; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest the seeds or bark of Peltophorum pterocarpum. The compounds present can cause irritation to the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of the seeds and bark of Peltophorum pterocarpum can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs. The toxicity is generally not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicPeltophorum pterocarpum contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The seeds and bark are the most toxic parts due to their higher concentration of these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Peltophorum pterocarpum grow?
A: It typically grows to 15–25 meters (49–82 feet) in height.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Q: Is it suitable for urban planting?
A: Yes, it is drought-tolerant and can adapt to urban environments, though it requires space due to its size.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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