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sacoglottis guianensis

Also known as: []

Family: Peridiscaceae Genus: Sacoglottis Category: Trees

Overview

A tropical tree species native to the Amazon basin, known for its ecological significance in forest ecosystems.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Peridiscaceae
Genus: Sacoglottis
Botanical Name: Sacoglottis guianensis

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: sheltered garden bed or large indoor container
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"11–12"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days in dry environments
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added organic matter, such as peat or compost.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very high
  • Toughness Level: very high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to partial shade in intense summer sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate to brighter light to prevent scorching; protect from direct midday sun; place in filtered light outdoors.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
expert only

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to dappled light

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct sun exposure.

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.

Soil

well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic loam

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).

Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates mild seasonal fluctuations but avoid extreme cold or heat.

Avoid placing near drafty windows or heat vents; maintain stable temperatures; protect from sudden drops.

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 in spring or early summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.

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

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–80°F), indirect light.

Medium

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

Hormone

Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective pruning of stems, pinch back tips for bushier growth.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears, sterilizing solution.

Checklist

Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy or after flowering, remove dead/diseased parts, shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 inches in diameter).

Method

Use fresh well-draining soil, gently tease out roots, place in slightly larger pot, water lightly after repotting.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil health.

Checklist

Check root bound status, prepare new pot with drainage, use fresh soil mix, handle roots carefully, water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

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

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply when 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 for fertility, ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or wilting in response to temperature stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or damage if exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).

Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid drafty areas, protect from frost.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch if exposed to prolonged high temperatures above 90°F (32°C).

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

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with leaves.

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 Sacoglottis guianensis may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as mealybugs, which disrupt nutrient uptake and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Sacoglottis guianensis can be caused by water stress, either due to under or overwatering, or root damage from pests or pathogens, leading to impaired water transport.

Leaf spots on Sacoglottis guianensis may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation if left untreated.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Sacoglottis guianensis is often associated with overwatering or poor drainage, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential death of the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats that ingest the seeds or roots of Sacoglottis guianensis may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause mild distress.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing seeds and roots. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of the seeds and roots of Sacoglottis guianensis may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep seeds and roots out of reach of dogs. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

The seeds and roots of Sacoglottis guianensis contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and discomfort when ingested. The plant's toxicity is not severe but can lead to mild physiological disturbances.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of seeds and roots. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Sacoglottis guianensis commonly cultivated?

A: No, it is primarily found in its native tropical habitats and is not commonly cultivated outside of specialized botanical collections.

Q: Does this plant have any medicinal uses?

A: There is limited documented evidence of medicinal use, though traditional practices may exist in its native regions.

Q: How tall does Sacoglottis guianensis grow?

A: It can grow into a large tree, often reaching heights of 20-30 meters in its natural habitat.

Quick Reference
Family: Peridiscaceae
Care: expert only
Light: partial shade to dappled light
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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