Forbes' Silk Tree

albizia forbesii

Also known as: ["Forbes' Albizia"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Albizia Category: Trees

Overview

A deciduous tree native to tropical regions, characterized by bipinnate leaves and fragrant flowers.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Albizia
Botanical Name: Albizia forbesii

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden in tropical or subtropical regions
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • 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 in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
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 to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on outdoor vs. indoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, 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 for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; monitor for sunburn.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure proper drainage; adjust based on season and growth stage.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content

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

Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

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

Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation; adjust watering in extreme heat.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced fertilizer

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options for slow release.

Propagation

Methods

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

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Apply rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

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 mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment may take several months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning and heading back to promote airflow and shape.

Pruning Plan

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

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; avoid over-pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

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

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; 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 at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is 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, wilting, or chlorosis in cold; scorching or stunted growth in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf drop; prolonged cold can damage or kill the plant.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, growth may slow, or the plant may wilt despite adequate water.

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

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth stage; use diluted fertilizer; avoid winter feeding; monitor for nutrient burn.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Albizia forbesii may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Albizia forbesii can be caused by water stress, root damage, or pest infestations, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Albizia forbesii may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential defoliation if severe.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Albizia forbesii is often due to overwatering or poor drainage, leading to decay and potential plant mortality.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Albizia forbesii is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from exposure to this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No specific safety precautions are required for keeping this plant in environments with cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Albizia forbesii is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported cases of adverse effects in canines from exposure to this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No specific safety precautions are required for keeping this plant in environments with dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Albizia forbesii is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans under normal circumstances. The plant has not been documented to cause adverse effects through ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Albizia forbesii suitable for small gardens?

A: It can be suitable if pruned regularly, but it may outgrow small spaces over time.

Q: Does Albizia forbesii require full sun?

A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Q: How often should it be watered?

A: Water deeply once a week, adjusting for rainfall and soil conditions.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
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)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

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

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Meadow Vetchling
View
Sicklepod Acacia
View
Dwarf Coral Tree
View
Lobel's Broom
View