Shisham, Sissoo, Indian Rosewood

dalbergia sissoo

Also known as: ["Shisham","Sissoo","Indian Rosewood"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Dalbergia Category: Trees

Overview

A large deciduous tree native to the Indian subcontinent, valued for its durable timber and ornamental qualities.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Dalbergia
Botanical Name: Dalbergia sissoo

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden in full sun, adaptable to various soil types
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–45°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
  • 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: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and size.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually over 1–2 weeks. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid sudden light changes.

Watering

every 7–10 days during growing season, every 14–21 days in dormant season

Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, avoid waterlogging.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content

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

Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good drainage; amend with compost annually.

Temperature

Thrives in warm conditions (20–30°C). Tolerates mild frosts but prefers frost-free environments.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced fertilizer

Fertilize lightly during growth; avoid over-fertilization; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed. Stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Apply rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

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

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (24–28°C), and indirect light.

Medium

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

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment takes 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bags or propagator, misting bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Use clean cuts just above a bud or branch junction. Remove crossing or crowded branches.

Pruning Plan

Shape the plant, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage bushier growth. Prune to maintain desired size and structure.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, or saw (depending on branch size), disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune at the right time; make clean cuts; remove debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; use fresh well-draining soil; ensure proper drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Shallow root systems may need less frequent repotting.

Checklist

Choose new pot; prepare soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture with finger; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for even moisture distribution.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with organic matter.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or dieback in extreme cold or heat.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts; leaves may wilt or turn brown; severe cold can cause dieback.

Solution: Protect from frost with mulch or frost cloth. Move potted plants indoors during freezes. Avoid overwatering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced growth, or leaf drop during prolonged heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering, use mulch to retain soil moisture, and ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; follow dilution rates; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring and mid-summer. Dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if needed. Avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Dalbergia sissoo can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Dalbergia sissoo is often caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Dalbergia sissoo are typically caused by fungal or bacterial infections, which can reduce photosynthetic efficiency and lead to premature leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Dalbergia sissoo due to excessive moisture, leading to decay of root tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Dalbergia sissoo is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain known compounds that are harmful to feline physiology.

⚡ Toxic If:

under normal circumstances

As with any plant, ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Ensure pets do not consume excessive amounts of any plant material.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Dalbergia sissoo is generally considered non-toxic to dogs when encountered in its natural form. There are no significant toxic compounds present in the plant that would pose a risk to canine health.

⚡ Toxic If:

under normal circumstances

While the plant is non-toxic, ingestion of large quantities of any foreign material can cause gastrointestinal upset. Monitor pets to prevent excessive chewing or ingestion of plant material.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

The seeds of Dalbergia sissoo contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. Inhalation of sawdust during woodworking can lead to respiratory irritation due to fine particulate matter and potential allergens present in the wood.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea coughing sore throat respiratory irritation
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds sawdust
⚡ Toxic If:

if ingested or inhaled sawdust

Avoid ingestion of seeds and ensure proper ventilation and use of respiratory protection when working with the wood to prevent inhalation of sawdust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Dalbergia sissoo suitable for urban planting?

A: Yes, it is drought-tolerant and can thrive in urban environments with adequate space.

Q: Does the tree attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and foliage.

Q: What are the common uses of its wood?

A: The wood is highly valued for furniture, flooring, and musical instruments due to its durability and attractive grain.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during growi
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

White Broom
View
Small restharrow
View
American Wisteria
View
African locust bean
View