White Ibirá

luehea divaricata

Also known as: ["White Ibirá","Luehea speciosa"]

Family: Tiliaceae Genus: Luehea Category: Trees

Overview

A medium-sized tree native to South America, known for its attractive white flowers and hard wood.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malvales
Family: Tiliaceae
Genus: Luehea
Botanical Name: Luehea divaricata

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sheltered spot with good air circulation
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°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; can tolerate slightly sandy conditions.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

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 to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh light; monitor for leaf burn.

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, loamy soil with organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.

Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; amend with organic matter for nutrients.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures, 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in tropical to subtropical climates.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain consistent warmth for best growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and warm, monitor for roots.

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

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture in the medium.

Medium

Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or cactus/succulent potting mix.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

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

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity until roots form.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning and heading back to shape the plant and improve air circulation.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or overgrown branches.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), clean, sharp tools.

Checklist

Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before the growing season starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.

Suggestions

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

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot, prepare fresh soil, handle roots carefully, water 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, ensuring even saturation; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.

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 sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

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

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback; prolonged cold can damage roots and stems.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection; avoid watering during cold spells.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering due to excessive heat and dryness.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase, use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, flush soil periodically.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Luehea divaricata may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, leading to reduced photosynthesis and overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Luehea divaricata can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, disrupting water transport and causing leaf and stem drooping.

Leaf spots on Luehea divaricata may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic capacity and potential defoliation if severe.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Luehea divaricata is often caused by excessive moisture, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential death of the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Luehea divaricata is not known to be toxic to cats under normal circumstances.

⚡ Toxic If:

Not applicable

No specific precautions are required for keeping this plant around cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Luehea divaricata is not known to be toxic to dogs under normal circumstances.

⚡ Toxic If:

Not applicable

No specific precautions are required for keeping this plant around dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Luehea divaricata is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans under normal circumstances.

⚡ Toxic If:

Not applicable

No specific precautions are required for handling or growing this plant around humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Luehea divaricata suitable for indoor cultivation?

A: No, it is a large tree best suited for outdoor landscapes.

Q: Does this plant have any medicinal uses?

A: There is limited documented evidence of medicinal use, but traditional practices may exist.

Q: How fast does Luehea divaricata grow?

A: It has a moderate growth rate, typically reaching medium size over several years.

Quick Reference
Family: Tiliaceae
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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