Dolichandrone spathacea — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Dolichandrone spathacea

Dolichandrone Spathacea

Updated · 25 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Dolichandrone spathacea, also known as tui or mangrove trumpet tree (Thai: แคทะเล or แคป่า, khae thale or khae pa; Tagalog: tui, tue or tuy), is a species of plant in the family Bignoniaceae. It is found from South India, Sri Lanka to New Caledonia.

A note from PlantMom

The mangrove trumpet tree has strong disease resistance and is generally not susceptible to disease. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only light watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. The mangrove trumpet tree is appropriate for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand extensive care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Dolichandrone Spathacea.

Light

The mangrove trumpet tree comes from open habitats like sunny meadows and forest edges, which provide abundant light. It does best in full sun but can also tolerate partial sun, adapting well to different light conditions.

Water

The mangrove trumpet tree is well-suited to swampy environments and can withstand both flooding and dry conditions. It thrives in moderate humidity and is also drought-tolerant. For best results, water the tree every 2-3 weeks. Though it's ideal to grow this tree outdoors, it thrives in climates that mimic tropical wet and dry cycles, which promote optimal growth.

Temperature

The mangrove trumpet tree comes from tropical areas, where the climate is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is adapted to high heat and moisture. It does not tolerate sudden temperature shifts and prefers a stable thermal environment, so avoiding indoor temperature fluctuations is important. It typically cannot withstand cold and needs warmer conditions to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Fertilizer

The best time to feed a Mangrove trumpet tree is in early spring, as it breaks dormancy. Doing so stimulates overall growth and the development of flowers. Fertilization improves foliage, stems, and branches, while encouraging large, colorful, and long-lasting blooms. It assists in transporting nutrients from the roots to the flowers and enhances the plant's health and its resistance to disease.

Pruning

The mangrove trumpet tree, known for its trumpet-shaped flowers, thrives in coastal areas. To promote healthy growth and abundant flowering, it's best to prune the tree annually from early to late winter. Pruning improves airflow and sunlight exposure. Focus on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain the tree's shape and prevent it from becoming leggy, ensuring strong and vigorous growth.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Dolichandrone
Family
Bignoniaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
10.06 m to 14.94 m
Mature Spread
6.1 m to 7.92 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
6.35 cm to 10.16 cm
Bloom Time
Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Fall, Early winter
Native Area
Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Vanuatu, Philippines, Singapore, Bangladesh, Laos, Thailand
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Mangrove trumpet-tree
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Mangrove trumpet tree?

Watering your Mangrove trumpet tree is quite flexible and can be done with various watering tools like watering cans, hoses, or even cups. It's important to water the soil directly, making sure to evenly moisten all areas to provide adequate hydration to the entire root system. Using filtered water is recommended to avoid any harmful particles found in tap water. Additionally, using water at or slightly above room temperature is beneficial as extreme temperatures can stress the tree. However, the Mangrove trumpet tree generally responds well to any type of water you provide.

How many hours of sunlight does a Mangrove trumpet tree need each day to grow strong and healthy?

To promote healthy growth in the Mangrove trumpet tree, it is important to provide it with a minimum of 3-6 hours of sunlight per day. Although this is the minimum requirement, it is worth noting that plants which can tolerate partial sunlight can also flourish in full sunlight. These plants are more adaptable because they need less light for photosynthesis, unlike plants that specifically require either full sunlight or partial shade.

What should I do if I give too much or too little water to my Mangrove trumpet tree?

Outdoor plants, particularly those that are newly planted or seedlings, are susceptible to insufficient watering. It is important to ensure adequate watering for the first few months, especially while the tree is small or recently planted. Once the roots are established, the Mangrove trumpet tree can rely on rainfall most of the time. If your Mangrove trumpet tree is planted in pots, overwatering is more likely to occur. If you accidentally overwater your tree, there are steps you can take to address the situation. First, stop watering the plant immediately to minimize the impact of overwatering. Next, remove the tree from its pot and inspect the roots. If there are no signs of root rot, you can return the plant to its container. However, if root rot is present, trim away the affected roots and consider applying a fungicide to prevent further damage. Finally, repot the tree in well-draining soil. In the case of underwatering, simply water the Mangrove trumpet tree more frequently. This is a straightforward solution, as underwatering causes the leaves to droop, dry out, and fall off. The leaves will quickly regain their fullness after sufficient watering. It is important to adjust your watering frequency as soon as you notice signs of underwatering.

What kind of sunlight does the Mangrove trumpet tree need?

The mangrove trumpet tree thrives in full or partial sun. It thrives when it receives direct morning light. However, in the summer, it requires protection from the intense afternoon sun. In temperate environments, excessive hot afternoon sun can scorch the leaves, causing harm to the plant's overall look and well-being.

How frequently should I water my Mangrove trumpet tree?

Most outdoor plants can grow normally with rainfall, but if your area doesn't receive much rain, you'll need to water them every 2 weeks in the spring and fall. In the summer, you'll need to water more frequently. In winter, when growth slows down and plants require less water, you can water less or even skip watering altogether. However, if you have a young or newly planted Mangrove trumpet tree, it's best to water it more often to help it establish and become more drought tolerant. For potted plants, there are two ways to determine watering frequency for your Mangrove trumpet tree. Firstly, you can follow a set watering schedule, such as once a week or every other week. Keep in mind that this approach may not consider the specific growing conditions of your tree. Secondly, you can base watering frequency on soil moisture. It's generally recommended to wait until the top two to four inches of soil (around 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the pot) have completely dried out before watering again. This method allows you to adjust watering according to the season, as water needs are typically higher in the summer.

Can the sun harm Mangrove trumpet tree? How can you shield Mangrove trumpet tree from sunlight and heat damage?

To prevent damage from direct sunlight, gradually transition Mangrove trumpet trees from indoors to outdoor areas with brighter light. However, even trees acclimated to the sun can be harmed by extreme heat. During a heatwave, it's crucial to keep the soil consistently moist to help the plants tolerate the high temperatures. To protect these trees during extreme weather, consider moving containers to shaded areas in the afternoon or using a shade cloth as a shield.

How much water does my trumpet tree need?

To water your Mangrove trumpet tree effectively, you don't always need a lot of water. If only a few inches of soil have dried since your last watering, giving it about five to ten ounces of water each time will promote healthy growth. Keeping track of soil moisture is helpful in deciding how much water to give. If more than half of the soil is dry, consider giving more water until you see excess water draining from the pot's holes. However, if your tree is planted in a rainy area, it may not need additional watering. For young or newly established trees, aim for 1-2 inches of rain per week. As the tree grows, it can rely solely on rainwater. Only when there is a prolonged hot period with no rainfall for 2-3 weeks should you give it a complete watering to prevent stress.

Does the Mangrove trumpet tree have to stay away from the sun? / Do I need to protect the Mangrove trumpet tree from the sun?

The Mangrove trumpet tree benefits from bright morning sun and some full sun exposure, but the intense midday sun in the summer can be too much for it. If the tree is planted in the ground, it can gradually adapt to the increasing intensity of the summer sun. However, if the tree is in a pot and has been indoors or in a protected location, it may be injured if suddenly exposed to direct summer sun in the hottest part of the day. To protect the plant from the harsh afternoon summer sun, it is best to plant or place it in a shaded location during midday, such as under taller trees, plants, a building, or a landscape feature.

How can I know if I'm watering my Mangrove trumpet tree enough?

Overwatering is a common issue for the Mangrove trumpet tree, and there are clear signs to watch out for. When a Mangrove trumpet tree is overwatered, its leaves turn yellow and can fall off. Additionally, overwatering can cause the plant to shrink and lead to root rot. On the other hand, an underwatered Mangrove trumpet tree will also show signs of distress. It may wilt and have brown or brittle leaves. Regardless of whether you see signs of overwatering or underwatering, it's important to take action to restore the tree's health.

What happens if the Mangrove trumpet tree does not get enough sunlight?

The Mangrove trumpet tree may show signs of receiving too little sun by becoming pale green or having drooping, yellow leaves. If leaves are falling off but not being replaced, it's a sign of a problem. If the tree manages to grow under inadequate light, the new growth is typically weak, pale, and vulnerable to bugs. Taking notice of these signs and adjusting the lighting conditions can make a big improvement.

How should I water my Mangrove trumpet tree as it grows?

When the Mangrove trumpet tree is young, especially in its seedling stage, it requires more water compared to when it is fully grown. It is crucial to keep the soil continually moist during the initial stages of the tree's life to promote root development. This also applies if you have moved a Mangrove trumpet tree to a different location for growth. Additionally, providing proper care can result in the tree displaying beautiful flowers and fruits. If your Mangrove trumpet tree is currently in a flowering or fruiting phase, you will likely need to increase watering slightly to support these structures.

Does the Mangrove trumpet tree require specific sunlight-related care as it grows?

New leaves are easily sunburned, so young Mangrove trumpet trees in a vigorous growth phase, like late spring and early summer, are more sensitive to harsh sun and heat than mature trees or those in a dormant fall growth stage. Additionally, young trees from a nursery are typically not accustomed to strong sunlight and should be gradually exposed to it.

PLATES
Dolichandrone spathacea leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Dolichandrone spathacea leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Dolichandrone spathacea flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Dolichandrone spathacea flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Dolichandrone spathacea fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Dolichandrone spathacea habit
PLATE 06 · habit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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