Yellow Ironwood
arillastrum gummiferum
Also known as: ["Yellow Ironwood","Macaronesia Gumwood"]
Overview
A medium-sized evergreen tree native to New Caledonia, known for its hard timber and yellow flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Arillastrum |
| Botanical Name: | Arillastrum gummiferum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sheltered spot with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°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 potting mix with added perlite or sand; can include some organic matter for fertility.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to control size and shape; light pruning can be done anytime.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if necessary, but avoid heavy pruning unless required.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light to prevent scorching; place in a spot with filtered light if outdoors; indoors, position near an east or west-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering especially in cooler months.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix designed for succulents or cacti; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates mild fluctuations but avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or heat vents; maintain consistent room temperature; monitor for signs of stress.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Always water before fertilizing to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; adjust frequency based on plant growth.
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, dip in rooting hormone, plant in moist medium, cover with a plastic bag to retain humidity, place in indirect light.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain temperatures around 70–75°F (21–24°C).
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also use a mix of peat and sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; keep medium consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp tools; make cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction; remove crossing or crowded branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilized scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, identify cuts, prune selectively, clean up debris, monitor recovery.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter) than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly, avoid fertilizing for a month.
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 if needed, 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 water penetrates deeply to reach the root ball, allow excess water to drain completely, 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 coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, or wilting in response to temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or drop; prolonged cold can lead to root damage or death.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid cold drafts, protect from frost if outdoors.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced vigor due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute fertilizer, water before feeding, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicArillastrum gummiferum is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines following ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicArillastrum gummiferum is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines following ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicArillastrum gummiferum is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans. The plant does not produce known toxic compounds that would cause adverse physiological impacts upon ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Arillastrum gummiferum suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is best suited for outdoor landscapes due to its size and growth requirements.
Q: Does this plant have any medicinal uses?
A: There is no widely documented medicinal use for Arillastrum gummiferum.
Q: How fast does Arillastrum gummiferum grow?
A: It grows at a moderate pace, typically reaching medium size over several years.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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