Pinkwood
geissois pruinosa
Also known as: ["Pinkwood","Geissois pruinosa"]
Overview
A small to medium-sized tree native to New Caledonia, known for its attractive pinkish-brown bark and small, leathery leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Oxalidales |
| Family: | Cunoniaceae |
| Genus: | Geissois |
| Botanical Name: | Geissois pruinosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or sheltered outdoor garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–28°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain moderate humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile potting mix with added organic matter like compost or peat.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done anytime; major pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if necessary, but avoid excessive pruning.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light to prevent scorching; place in filtered sunlight indoors or dappled shade outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to dappled sunlight
Rotate plant for even growth; avoid direct midday sun; adjust light exposure seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply to encourage root growth; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; refresh soil every 2–3 years.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); cooler temperatures in winter (down to 50°F/10°C) promote dormancy.
Protect from frost; maintain consistent temperatures; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; flush soil occasionally.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F/18–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; can also use sphagnum moss.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction; remove crossing or crowded 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 dead/damaged growth; shape the plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill 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.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution to the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom, but avoid waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are 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
Yellowing leaves (cold stress), wilting or leaf drop (heat stress), stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf yellowing, and may lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate roots with mulch; avoid cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive heat.
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 to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); cease in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicGeissois pruinosa is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines after exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Dogs
Non-toxicGeissois pruinosa is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines after exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Humans
Non-toxicGeissois pruinosa is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. The plant has no reported adverse effects on human physiology.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Geissois pruinosa suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is best suited for outdoor cultivation due to its tree-like growth habit.
Q: Does Geissois pruinosa have any known medicinal uses?
A: There is no widely documented medicinal use for this plant.
Q: How fast does Geissois pruinosa grow?
A: It grows at a moderate pace, typically reaching medium height over several years.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cunoniaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to dappled sunli |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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