Stinking Sterculia
sterculia foetida
Also known as: ["Jungle Chestnut","Kuntze","Stinking Sterculia"]
Overview
A large deciduous tree native to tropical regions, known for its large, peltate leaves and foul-smelling flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Sterculia |
| Botanical Name: | Sterculia foetida |
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 if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly sandy or loamy soil with 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; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent sunburn.
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, reduce 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 moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of cactus soil and regular potting mix; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Thrives in warm conditions (65–85°F or 18–29°C); prefers stable temperatures, sensitive to frost.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during growing season
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 reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, provide indirect light.
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
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, propagation tray, humidity dome, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning, heading back, and removal of crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy, make clean cuts, remove debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
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 fill the pot; beneficial for root health and growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with organic matter.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or wilting in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may yellow or drop; growth halts; severe cold can cause dieback or death.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection; avoid watering during cold spells.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or leaf drop due to excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water deeply but infrequently.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute properly, apply to soil, avoid foliage contact, flush periodically.
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
ToxicThe seeds and pods of Sterculia foetida are toxic to cats, inducing severe gastrointestinal and systemic effects. The toxic compounds can cause significant distress and health risks in felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe seeds and pods of Sterculia foetida are toxic to dogs, causing severe gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic toxicity. The plant's compounds can lead to significant health complications in canines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicThe seeds and pods of Sterculia foetida contain toxic compounds that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and systemic effects upon ingestion. The plant's toxic principles interfere with normal physiological processes, leading to significant health risks.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Sterculia foetida toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.
Q: Why is it called 'Stinking Sterculia'?
A: The tree is named for its foul-smelling flowers.
Q: Is Sterculia foetida suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is a large tree and is best suited for outdoor landscapes.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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