Candlestick Tree
parmentiera aculeata
Also known as: ["Candle Tree","Candlestick Tree"]
Overview
A tropical tree known for its unique candle-like flowers that grow directly from the trunk and branches.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Genus: | Parmentiera |
| Botanical Name: | Parmentiera aculeata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in warm climates, or large indoor pot in bright, sunny area
- Suitable For:
- 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 and root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil such as a mix of cactus potting mix with added compost or peat moss.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually or every 2–3 years as needed to control size and shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if necessary to rejuvenate growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in a spot with filtered light if outdoors; indoors, position near an east or west-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid placing near south-facing windows in summer.
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 especially in cooler months.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Use pots with drainage holes, avoid compacted soil, top-dress with compost annually, check moisture before watering.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures between 65–85°F (18–29°C); can tolerate brief dips to 50°F (10°C) but thrives in warmth.
Protect from frost, maintain consistent warmth, avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; apply fertilizer after watering to avoid root burn; stop fertilizing when plant is dormant.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are more common and reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in moist propagation medium, cover with a plastic bag to retain humidity, place in indirect light.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain temperatures around 70–80°F (21–27°C) and high humidity.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix such as cactus mix with added perlite or sand.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone to speed up root development.
Timeline
Roots typically develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth may appear after 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bag, misting bottle, well-draining potting mix.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible to encourage rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of stems to shape the plant; cut just above a leaf node or bud to encourage new growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage branching, and remove dead or overgrown stems; best done after flowering or in early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy or after flowering, remove dead/damaged growth, shape as desired, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, when the plant is entering its active growth phase.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter) than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly, and place in a shaded area for a few days to recover.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot; beneficial for root health and growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot with drainage, trim roots if necessary, use fresh soil, water after repotting, adjust care temporarily.
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 to reach the root ball, allow excess water to drain completely, water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
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 to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme cold; wilting, scorching, or leaf burn in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, reduce water uptake, and can cause root damage or leaf drop.
Solution: Move plant to a warmer location, insulate pots with bubble wrap, avoid placing near drafty windows or doors, reduce watering in cold periods.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf scorch, and increased pest susceptibility.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity with misting or a humidifier, water more frequently but avoid waterlogging, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute fertilizer, water before feeding, avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicParmentiera aculeata is generally considered safe for cats, but the seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. There are no known severe toxic effects associated with this plant for cats.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicWhile the fruit and leaves of Parmentiera aculeata are generally safe for dogs, the seeds may contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts. There are no known severe toxic effects associated with this plant for dogs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicParmentiera acleata, commonly known as the Candlestick Tree, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, its seeds may contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in large quantities. The fruit and leaves are typically safe for consumption.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in moderation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Candlestick Tree toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: What makes the Candlestick Tree unique?
A: It is known for its candle-like flowers that grow directly from the trunk and branches.
Q: How difficult is it to care for a Candlestick Tree?
A: It has moderate care difficulty, requiring consistent watering and sunlight.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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