Jacaranda, Blue Jacaranda, Black Poui
jacaranda mimosifolia
Also known as: ["Blue Trumpet Tree","Fern Tree"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to South America, known for its striking lavender-blue flowers and fern-like leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Genus: | Jacaranda |
| Botanical Name: | Jacaranda mimosifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in warm climates, or large indoor pot in cooler regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with amendments.
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 for rejuvenation.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but blooms best in full sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate young plants to full sun gradually; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure adequate spacing for light penetration.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; avoid sudden light changes; use shade cloth in extreme heat.
Watering
every 7–14 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use raised beds in heavy soils; avoid compacted soil; mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in subtropical to tropical climates.
Monitor seasonal changes; protect from frost; adjust watering in heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize in spring before new growth; avoid overfertilizing to prevent root burn; water before applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds; cuttings root more reliably and faster.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, 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 (70–80°F or 21–27°C), high humidity (70–80%), partial shade.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; seed germination takes 2–4 weeks with establishment over several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray 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 the tree, remove dead or crossing branches, encourage airflow and light penetration.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune at correct angle, remove dead/diseased wood, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
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, use fresh well-draining soil, ensure proper drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; essential for container-grown plants to prevent root-bound conditions.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust seasonally.
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; adjust based on rainfall and humidity levels.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges in cold; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback; vulnerable to frost damage below 25°F (-4°C).
Solution: Protect with frost cloth in cold snaps; plant in sheltered locations; avoid overwatering in cold.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow under prolonged heat stress.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, apply at correct dilution, avoid contact with roots, water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season; reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicJacaranda mimosifolia seeds and berries are toxic to cats, leading to mild gastrointestinal issues. The toxicity is not severe but can cause discomfort and should be addressed by a veterinarian.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe seeds and berries of Jacaranda mimosifolia are toxic to dogs, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. While not life-threatening, ingestion can lead to discomfort and require veterinary attention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicJacaranda mimosifolia contains toxic compounds, particularly in its seeds and berries, which can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress if ingested. The plant's toxicity is not severe but can lead to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does the Jacaranda tree grow?
A: It typically reaches 15–25 meters (49–82 feet) in height.
Q: Does the Jacaranda tree require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Q: When does the Jacaranda tree bloom?
A: It blooms in late spring to early summer, producing vibrant lavender-blue flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–14 days during activ |
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