Vieillard's ebony
diospyros vieillardii
Also known as: ["Vieillard's persimmon"]
Overview
A tropical tree species native to New Caledonia, known for its hard wood and ornamental value.
Benefits & Perks
["rare/collector’s item","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ebenaceae |
| Genus: | Diospyros |
| Botanical Name: | Diospyros vieillardii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: indoor pot or sheltered outdoor location
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
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 growth if needed.
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 avoid leaf burn; protect from direct midday sun; place in a spot with filtered light if outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sun, rotate plant for even growth, adjust light seasonally.
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, rich in organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage, avoid heavy clay soils, maintain slightly acidic pH.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); tolerates mild fluctuations but dislikes drafts or extreme heat.
Avoid drafts, maintain stable temps, protect from extreme heat/cold.
Fertilizing
monthly during growing season, every 2 months in winter
Fertilize during active growth, dilute to prevent burn, flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, apply hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to promote root development.
Timeline
Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent stems, maintain humidity, keep warm and bright but indirect light.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective cutting of stems to maintain shape and health.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead/damaged growth, encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune dead/damaged growth, shape as desired, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; use fresh well-draining soil.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly.
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 moisture distribution; water early in the morning to reduce evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
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 for drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, or wilting; stunted growth in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or browning; vulnerable to frost damage.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; use a space heater if necessary.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or drying out; may drop leaves to conserve water.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, 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
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are susceptible to toxicity from Diospyros vieillardii, particularly from its seeds and unripe fruits. The toxic compounds can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, necessitating prompt veterinary intervention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIngestion of Diospyros vieillardii seeds or unripe fruits by dogs can lead to toxicosis, resulting in gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic effects. The toxins can cause significant discomfort and require veterinary attention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicDiospyros vieillardii contains toxic compounds, particularly in its seeds and unripe fruits, which can cause significant physiological distress upon ingestion. The toxins interfere with normal cellular functions, leading to gastrointestinal and neurological effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Diospyros vieillardii rare?
A: Yes, it is considered rare and is primarily found in its native habitat of New Caledonia.
Q: What is the primary use of this plant?
A: It is valued for its hard wood and ornamental foliage.
Q: Is it suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is best suited for outdoor cultivation in tropical or subtropical climates.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ebenaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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