African Tulip Tree

kraussia floribunda

Also known as: ["Spathodea campanulata","African Tulip"]

Family: Rubiaceae Genus: Kraussia Category: Trees

Overview

A large, evergreen tree native to tropical Africa, known for its vibrant, tulip-shaped flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fragrant flowers"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Kraussia
Botanical Name: Kraussia floribunda

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • 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 for aeration.
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:
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, protect from intense midday sun, adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves with brown tips, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoors in spring/summer for stronger light.

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 wetting foliage.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid compacted soil; top-dress with fresh soil annually.

Temperature

Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); can tolerate 50–85°F (10–29°C) but avoid extremes.

Avoid placing near drafty windows; use a humidifier in dry heat; shield from sudden temperature swings.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; adjust for plant size.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, dip in hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut just above a leaf node or bud, angle cuts to promote healing.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or overgrown stems to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruners or scissors, disinfectant.

Checklist

Sanitize tools, prune dead/damaged stems, shape plant, clean up debris, monitor for new growth.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, when the plant is entering active growth.

Pot Size

Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

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 growth and soil freshness.

Checklist

Check root bound status, prepare new pot with drainage, trim roots if necessary, use fresh soil, water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid leaf wetting, adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensure water penetrates deeply to reach roots, allow excess to drain completely, water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
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 like compost for fertility, use a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, wilting, bud drop, stunted growth, or leaf burn.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf drop, may lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid cold drafts, protect from frost.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced flowering, and increased water demand.

Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with leaves, rinse tools after use.

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

Yellow leaves in Kraussia floribunda may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as mealybugs, which disrupt nutrient uptake and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Kraussia floribunda can be caused by water stress, either due to under or overwatering, or root damage from pests or pathogens, leading to reduced water absorption.

Leaf spots on Kraussia floribunda may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation if severe.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Kraussia floribunda due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Kraussia floribunda is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines after exposure to this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No special precautions are necessary for keeping this plant in environments with cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Kraussia floribunda is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines after exposure to this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No special precautions are necessary for keeping this plant in environments with dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Kraussia floribunda is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. The plant has no reported adverse effects on human health.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No special precautions are necessary for handling or growing this plant around humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the African Tulip Tree require full sun?

A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Q: How tall does the African Tulip Tree grow?

A: It can reach heights of 20–30 meters in ideal conditions.

Q: Is the African Tulip Tree suitable for small gardens?

A: No, due to its large size, it is best suited for spacious landscapes.

Quick Reference
Family: Rubiaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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