Pink Ball Tree
dombeya rotundifolia
Also known as: ["Vlinderhout","Wild Pear","Pink Ball Tree"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to southern Africa, known for its clusters of pink flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Dombeya |
| Botanical Name: | Dombeya rotundifolia |
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":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; can tolerate poor soils but thrives with good drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually, after flowering; light pruning can be done as needed throughout the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily in spring and summer; partial shade during intense midday sun in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate the plant gradually to full sun if moving from shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch; ensure good air circulation if grown indoors to mimic outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak afternoon heat; rotate the plant for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow soil to dry out between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure fast drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 7–10; tolerates temperatures between 50°F and 85°F (10°C–29°C); prefers mild temperatures with protection from extreme heat or cold.
Protect from frost; provide shade in extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; use a balanced formula; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; 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 propagation medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
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 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, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of dead or crossing branches; thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage flowering; prune after flowering to avoid cutting off buds.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead wood; shape the plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove the plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil mix; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution; water until it drains from the bottom, but never let the plant sit in water; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 1–2 weeks during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to once a month or less in fall and winter when the plant is dormant.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration by avoiding compacted soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, or browning of leaf edges in excessive heat; stunted growth or dieback in prolonged cold exposure.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause leaf drop, slowed growth, or even dieback of stems if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C) for extended periods.
Solution: Protect with frost cloth or mulch in winter; plant in a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold weather to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; may also cause the plant to go dormant early.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicDombeya rotundifolia is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not pose a known risk of toxicity to felines through ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicDombeya rotundifolia 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-toxicDombeya rotundifolia is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The plant does not produce known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Pink Ball Tree require a lot of water?
A: It is drought tolerant and prefers well-drained soil, making it suitable for areas with less rainfall.
Q: When does the Pink Ball Tree bloom?
A: It typically blooms in late winter or early spring, producing clusters of pink flowers.
Q: Is the Pink Ball Tree suitable for small gardens?
A: It can grow up to 6 meters tall, so it is best suited for larger outdoor spaces.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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