White Ipê
dicorynia guianensis
Also known as: ["White Ipê","White Lapacho","Guiana Chestnut"]
Overview
A large tropical tree native to the Amazon rainforest, known for its hard, durable wood and potential medicinal properties.
Benefits & Perks
["disease resistant","fast growing","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Dicorynia |
| Botanical Name: | Dicorynia guianensis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: tropical greenhouse or sheltered outdoor location
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"20–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"11–12"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to manage size and shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust for seasonal light intensity.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light, avoid sudden exposure to intense sun, place in filtered light if outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
expert onlymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct midday sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, rich in organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; topdress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates slight fluctuations but avoid extremes.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain stable indoor temps.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting, apply rooting hormone, place in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity, warm temperatures (70–80°F), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for better success.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–6 weeks; establish in new pot after 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of stems, pinch back tips for bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead/damaged parts.
Tools
Clean pruning shears, sterilized scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune dead/damaged growth, shape as desired, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, when the plant is entering active growth.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
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 outgrow the pot; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if necessary, use fresh soil, water 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 even moisture distribution, allow excess water to drain, water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
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 coarse sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf yellowing, wilting, or dropping; stunted growth; bud drop.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, may lead to root damage in prolonged cold.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate roots, avoid cold drafts, reduce watering.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced vigor, potential dehydration.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are susceptible to toxicity from Dicorynia guianensis if they consume any part of the plant. The toxic compounds can cause severe health issues in felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIngestion of Dicorynia guianensis by dogs can lead to significant toxicity due to the presence of harmful compounds. These substances can disrupt normal bodily functions in canines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicDicorynia guianensis contains toxic compounds that can cause severe physiological effects upon ingestion. The toxins interfere with cellular processes, leading to systemic toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Dicorynia guianensis suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is a large tree requiring outdoor space and tropical conditions.
Q: What are the uses of Dicorynia guianensis?
A: Its wood is highly valued for construction and furniture, and it has potential medicinal uses.
Q: Does Dicorynia guianensis attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | expert only |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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