Leadwood
combretum imberbe
Also known as: ["White Leadwood","Lewendo"]
Overview
A large, deciduous tree native to Southern Africa, known for its hard, heavy wood and distinctive flaky bark.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Combretaceae |
| Genus: | Combretum |
| Botanical Name: | Combretum imberbe |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in open spaces, tolerates light frost
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–40°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, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate pruning to shape and rejuvenate growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates some shade but may become leggy without sufficient light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching. Protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates. Indoors, place near a south-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 4–6 weeks during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F / 18–29°C). Tolerates mild frosts but thrives in subtropical to tropical conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; maintain moderate humidity in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 3 months during growing season with balanced slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize only during active growth; avoid over-fertilization; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed. Stem cuttings are more reliable 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 (70–75°F / 21–24°C), humid, and bright but indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment takes 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning and heading back to promote branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased wood.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged wood; shape plant; avoid excessive pruning in winter.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growth period.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the root zone until soil is moist but not waterlogged. Ensure water penetrates deeply to encourage root growth. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 1–2 weeks during active growth, reducing frequency to once a month or less in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in cold stress; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf drop or dieback. Prolonged cold can damage roots.
Solution: Protect from frost with frost cloth or mulch. Move potted plants indoors during cold snaps. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, or reduced flowering. Stress may lead to pest susceptibility.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring/summer; avoid winter feeding; monitor for salt buildup.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and summer. Dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if used monthly. Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCombretum imberbe is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant when ingested or handled by cats.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Dogs
Non-toxicCombretum imberbe is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant when ingested or handled by dogs.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Humans
Non-toxicCombretum imberbe, commonly known as the Leadwood tree, is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Leadwood suitable for urban planting?
A: Yes, it is highly tolerant of harsh conditions and can thrive in urban environments.
Q: Does Combretum imberbe have any medicinal uses?
A: Traditional uses include remedies for coughs and colds, though scientific validation is limited.
Q: How fast does Leadwood grow?
A: It is a slow-growing tree, often taking many years to reach maturity.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Combretaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 4–6 weeks during activ |
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