Goupia

goupia glabra

Also known as: ["Goupia","Goupia tree"]

Family: Goupiaceae Genus: Goupia Category: Trees

Overview

A large tree native to the Neotropics, known for its hardwood and ecological significance.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Goupiaceae
Genus: Goupia
Botanical Name: Goupia glabra

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":"20–35°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, fertile soil with good organic matter; a mix of loam, sand, and compost works well.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very high
  • Toughness Level: very high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to control size and shape; light pruning can be done anytime.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary, but avoid heavy pruning unless required.
Care Details

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

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
expert only

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; provide dappled shade in peak summer; monitor for sunburn.

Watering

every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-draining, fertile loam

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

Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for fertility.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures, ideally 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates brief dips to 50°F (10°C) but thrives in warmth.

Protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth; avoid drafts.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth

Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

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

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting.
  2. Apply rooting hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Wait for roots.

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

Environment

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

Medium

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

Hormone

Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster and more reliable rooting.

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 with a plastic cover; keep out of direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction; remove crossing or inward-growing branches.

Pruning Plan

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

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune selectively; remove dead/diseased parts; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

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; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; trim roots; add fresh soil; water lightly.

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, ensuring even moisture distribution; 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 is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

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

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf drop, yellowing, or wilting in cold; scorching or stunted growth in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf drop, and increases susceptibility to root rot due to reduced metabolic activity.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate roots with mulch; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may become stunted due to excessive transpiration.

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

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse 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 Goupia glabra may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Goupia glabra can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potential root damage.

Leaf spots on Goupia glabra may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Goupia glabra is often associated with excessive moisture, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Goupia glabra is not known to be toxic to cats. The plant does not produce known toxins that would adversely affect felines upon ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally not applicable

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

There is no evidence to suggest that Goupia glabra poses a toxic risk to dogs. The plant does not appear to contain compounds that are harmful to canines when ingested or handled.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally not applicable

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

Goupia glabra is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans under normal circumstances. The plant is not documented to cause adverse physiological effects when handled or ingested in typical amounts.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally not applicable

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Goupia glabra toxic to pets?

A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.

Q: What is the primary use of Goupia glabra?

A: It is primarily valued for its hardwood and ecological role in tropical forests.

Q: How tall does Goupia glabra grow?

A: It can grow up to 30 meters tall in its natural habitat.

Quick Reference
Family: Goupiaceae
Care: expert only
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during growi
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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