Indian Tulip
thespesia populneoides
Also known as: ["Indian Tulip Tree","Pacific Rosewood"]
Overview
A medium-sized deciduous tree native to tropical regions, known for its large, heart-shaped leaves and showy, tulip-like flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Thespesia |
| Botanical Name: | Thespesia populneoides |
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":"15–35°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, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to control size and shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some protection from intense midday sun in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching; provide shade during peak summer heat; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid sudden light changes.
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 winter.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Use a mix of potting soil, perlite, and compost; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures, 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates brief periods of cooler temperatures but thrives in warmth.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing.
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 moist medium, cover with plastic to maintain 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 such as a mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth may take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic wrap, small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of branches to shape the plant; cut just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased branches.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilized scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy or active growth, remove dead/diseased wood, shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; increase diameter by 2–3 inches.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly, and avoid direct sun for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide more space.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot with drainage, 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 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 sand for drainage, incorporate compost for fertility, ensure good aeration by avoiding compacted soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, or wilting in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop, and can lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location, protect from drafts, use a heat mat if necessary, and reduce watering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering due to excessive heat and dry conditions.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, water more frequently, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer); reduce or stop in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicThespesia populneoides is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicThespesia populneoides is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicThespesia populneoides is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The plant has no known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects when handled or ingested in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Thespesia populneoides require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Q: Is this plant suitable for coastal gardens?
A: Yes, it is salt-tolerant and can thrive in coastal environments.
Q: Does it produce any edible parts?
A: The flowers are sometimes used in traditional medicine, but it is not commonly cultivated for edible purposes.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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