Neolamarckia cadamba — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Neolamarckia cadamba

Neolamarckia Cadamba

Updated · 183 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Neolamarckia cadamba, also known as the Burflower tree, is a fast-growing tropical tree in the Rubiaceae family. Native to Southeast Asia, it is commonly found in countries such as India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. This tree can reach heights of up to 40 meters and has a trunk diameter of up to 1.5 meters.

The leaves of Neolamarckia cadamba are large, glossy green, and can grow up to 30 cm long. During the rainy season, the tree produces yellow-orange flowers that grow in clusters at the ends of its branches.

The fruit of Neolamarckia cadamba is small, about 2 cm in diameter, and round. It contains many seeds surrounded by pulp and ripens during the dry season.

Neolamarckia cadamba has numerous uses. Its fast growth rate makes it valuable for timber production. Additionally, it is used for medicinal purposes, such as treating fever and diarrhea. The tree is also popular for ornamental planting due to its attractive flowers and leaves, and it is utilized in paper pulp production.

Overall, Neolamarckia cadamba is an important plant species with significant economic and medicinal value. Its beautiful flowers and foliage make it an appealing choice for ornamental planting, enhancing its ecological and economic importance.

A note from PlantMom

The Burflower tree shows strong disease resistance and is generally not susceptible to many illnesses. In terms of maintenance, 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 once they have finished blooming. The Burflower tree is well suited for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or a deck, and does not demand extensive plant care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Neolamarckia Cadamba.

Light

The burflower tree does best with ample sunlight and can tolerate partial shading. Native to bright environments, this tree's health flourishes under those conditions. Too little light can slow its growth, while too much exposure can scorch its leaves.

Water

The Burflower tree thrives in consistently moist soil, similar to the conditions found in its humid native regions. For optimal growth, it should be watered regularly, about every two weeks. While it can tolerate moderate drought, mulching is beneficial to help retain moisture, especially during its active growth period. This is particularly important for evergreen Burflower trees grown outdoors.

Temperature

The Burflower tree is native to habitats where temperatures range from 68 to 100.4 °F (20 to 38 ℃). It does best in warmer conditions and may require supplemental heat during colder seasons.

Fertilizer

The best time to feed a Burflower tree is in early spring as it breaks dormancy. This encourages overall growth and flower formation. Fertilizing improves the leaves, stems, and branches, and supports larger, more vivid, and longer-lasting blooms. It helps transport nutrients from the roots to the flowers and boosts the plant’s health and resistance to disease.

Pruning

The Burflower tree flourishes with its vibrant blooms and rapid growth, but it requires regular winter pruning while it is dormant. To keep the tree healthy, focus on removing dead branches, thinning crowded areas, and shaping the canopy. These techniques encourage new growth and improve air circulation. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools, and avoid excessive cutting to reduce stress on the tree.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Neolamarckia
Family
Rubiaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
45.11 m
Mature Spread
11.89 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Forest Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Orange
Flower Size
4.06 cm to 5.08 cm
Bloom Time
Summer
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Fall
Native Area
Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Laos, Brunei, Thailand, China
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Kadam en Leichhardt-pine en Burflower-tree en Laran en Common bur-flower-tree en కదంబం en Kadamb
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Burflower tree?

Watering your Burflower tree is easy as it is not too picky about the method you choose. You can use common tools like watering cans, hoses, or cups to moisten the soil. Just make sure to water directly onto the soil, ensuring equal moisture for all parts of the root system. Filtered water is recommended to avoid harmful particles in tap water. It's also a good idea to use water at room temperature or slightly above, as extreme temperatures may shock the tree. However, the Burflower tree generally responds well to any type of water.

Why do I have to put fertilizer on my Burflower tree?

The Burflower tree needs regular fertilization primarily because it has showy leaves that require a lot of energy to produce and maintain. This poses a challenge as the tree not only needs enough energy for its leaves, but also for the growth of its stems, branches, roots, and other vital structures. Neglecting fertilization can lead to two likely outcomes. Firstly, the leaves may lose their natural color and texture, becoming unhealthy-looking, which greatly diminishes its aesthetic appeal. Secondly, the tree's overall growth may slow down or produce weak growth that is prone to breakage.

What are the sunlight requirements for a Burflower tree?

The Burflower tree needs full sun, meaning it requires more than 6 hours of sunlight daily to thrive best. However, it can also grow under partial sun conditions, which is about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's crucial to observe how sunlight moves through your garden to ensure you're planting your Burflower tree in a location that meets these sunlight requirements. Picking the right spot helps maintain the balance of light and shade, promoting your plant's health and happiness.

What is the ideal temperature range for a Burflower tree?

The Burflower tree is native to environments with temperature ranges from 68 to 100.4 °F (20 to 38 °C). It thrives in warmer conditions and is extremely heat-loving, indicating that it may require additional heat supplies during colder seasons. To ensure the plant's health, it is advised to maintain temperatures above 20°C during winter and avoid exposure to temperatures approaching 5°C, as cold temperatures can cause significant harm to the tree.

What should I do if I give my Burflower tree too much or too little water?

Outdoor plants, especially newly planted ones or seedlings, may suffer from lack of watering. It is important to ensure sufficient watering for a few months, especially when the tree is small or newly planted. Once the tree's roots are established, it will often rely on rainwater. When a Burflower tree is planted in pots, overwatering is a common issue. In the event of accidental overwatering, it is important to act promptly to remedy the situation. First, stop watering the plant immediately to minimize the effects of overwatering. Then, carefully remove the Burflower tree from its pot to inspect its roots. If there are no signs of root rot, you can return the plant to its container. However, if root rot is present, trim any affected roots and consider applying a fungicide to prevent further damage. Finally, repot the Burflower tree in well-draining soil. In the case of underwatering, simply water the Burflower tree more frequently. Underwatering can be easily addressed. When a plant is underwatered, its leaves may droop, dry out, and fall off. However, with sufficient watering, the leaves will quickly regain their fullness. It is important to adjust your watering frequency as soon as signs of underwatering occur.

What is the best time to add fertilizer to my Burflower tree?

The Burflower tree does not require a strict feeding schedule, as occasional feedings are sufficient. One easy way to fertilize it is by applying fertilizer when watering the plant. Additionally, during the growing season, the tree needs a good amount of water. It is recommended to feed the plant every two to three weeks, ensuring this continues as long as it is producing new growth.

How does artificial lighting benefit indoor Burflower trees?

Indoor plants like the Burflower tree require adequate lighting to grow optimally, especially when natural sunlight is insufficient, like in winter or less sunny spaces. Artificial lights provide a vital solution, boasting benefits like promoting faster, healthier growth. LED lights are recommended because they can be customized to provide specific wavelengths needed by your plants. For full sun plants, 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light is necessary, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants require 10-20W/sq ft. Ensuring the light source is 12-36 inches above the plant and providing 8-12 hours of light per day mimics natural sunlight conditions effectively.

What should you do with a Burflower tree during the autumn and winter?

During autumn, it is recommended to bring outdoor-grown Burflower trees indoors to protect them from cold temperatures. The ideal location for these trees during the colder months is near a bright window to ensure they receive sufficient light. However, care should be taken to keep the plants at a certain distance from heaters to avoid damage. Maintaining indoor temperatures above 20°C during winter is beneficial for the tree's growth.

How often do I need to water my Burflower tree?

Most outdoor plants can grow normally with rainfall, but if your area doesn't get much rain, you should water them every 2 weeks in spring and fall, and more often in summer. In winter, water less because plants grow slower and need less water. You might not need to water at all during the winter. If your Burflower tree is young or newly planted, water it more often to help it grow and become more drought tolerant. For potted plants, there are two main ways to determine how often to water your Burflower tree. The first way is to have a set schedule, like watering once a week or every other week. However, this may not always work because it doesn't consider the specific conditions where your tree is growing. The other way is to check the soil moisture. Wait until the top two to four inches of soil have dried out completely before watering again. This method is especially important during summer when the tree's water needs are highest.

When is the best time to not fertilize my Burflower tree?

You can fertilize your Burflower tree regularly throughout most of the year, specifically during the active growing season of spring, summer, and early fall. However, during winter, it's important to stop fertilizing altogether. This is because the Burflower tree goes into a dormant growth phase during winter, where it either doesn't grow or only has minimal growth. Since the tree is not actively growing during this time, it requires less energy and thus doesn't need fertilizer.

What are the symptoms of light deficiency in Burflower trees?

Burflower trees show several symptoms when they suffer from light deficiency, including smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, and lighter-colored new leaves. These symptoms indicate that the plant isn't receiving enough light, vital for its growth and health. Conversely, symptoms like chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching indicate damage from excessive sunlight. Each symptom reflects how light impacts the plant's ability to thrive, either through a deficiency or an excess of sunlight exposure.

How to care for a Burflower tree when it experiences low temperatures?

Burflower trees prefer warm temperatures and are not tolerant of low temperatures, thriving best when the temperature is maintained above 20°C. Should the temperature fall below 1°C, the leaves may lighten in color, and frost damage can cause them to turn brown or black, along with wilting and drooping symptoms. If exposed to such conditions, it is crucial to trim off the frost-damaged parts and move the tree immediately indoors to a warm environment. Placing the plant near a south-facing window can ensure ample sunlight, and it's important to avoid placing it near heaters or air conditioning vents where the air may be too dry.

PLATES
Neolamarckia cadamba leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Neolamarckia cadamba leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Neolamarckia cadamba flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Neolamarckia cadamba flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Neolamarckia cadamba fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Neolamarckia cadamba fruit
PLATE 06 · fruit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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