Vinewood
gmelina arborea
Also known as: ["Vinewood","White Teak","Basswood"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to South and Southeast Asia, known for its fast growth and valuable timber.
Benefits & Perks
["fast growing","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Gmelina |
| Botanical Name: | Gmelina arborea |
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":"15–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only in very dry conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to control size and shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun to avoid scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; provide shade during peak summer heat; monitor for sunburn signs.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, fertile loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes, avoid compacted soil, test pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures, 20–30°C (68–86°F); tolerates seasonal fluctuations but avoids prolonged cold.
Protect from frost, provide shade in extreme heat, maintain consistent warmth for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; adjust frequency based on growth rate.
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, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (24–28°C), 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 can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep medium consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of branches, thinning out dense areas, shaping cuts to promote airflow.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased wood.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy or active growth, make clean cuts, remove debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, place in slightly larger pot with fresh soil, ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Check root bound status, 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 for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensure water penetrates deeply to reach the root ball, allow excess water to drain freely, water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
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, use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or wilting during extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, cause leaf drop, and may lead to frost damage or death in severe cases.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, provide frost protection, avoid watering before cold nights, use a heat source if necessary.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced growth due to water stress.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering frequency, use mulch to retain soil moisture, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute properly, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicGmelina arborea is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicGmelina arborea is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicGmelina arborea is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has been used traditionally in various applications without reported toxicity.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Gmelina arborea suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is a large tree best suited for outdoor landscapes.
Q: What are the primary uses of Gmelina arborea?
A: It is valued for its timber, which is used in furniture and construction, and its fast growth makes it useful for reforestation.
Q: Does Gmelina arborea attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and foliage.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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