Thespesia populnea 3.5-4.0m Ht,1.5m CS, 4-5cm Dia

🌱 Light:

• Requirement: Full sun to partial shade. Thrives in bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth and flowering.
• Tip: Ensure at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for vibrant blooms.

💧 Watering:

• Requirement: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during establishment, but allow the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Tip: Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

🌍 Soil:

• Requirement: Prefers well-drained, sandy, loamy, or clay soils, including saline and nutritionally poor soils. Tolerates very alkaline conditions.
• Tip: Mix compost into the soil when planting to enhance fertility.

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity:

• Requirement: Thrives in warm, tropical climates with annual daytime temperatures of 20–30°C (68–86°F). Tolerates 10–35°C (50–95°F) and occasional light frosts down to 4°C (39°F). Prefers 1,000–3,000 mm annual rainfall but tolerates 800–5,000 mm.
• Tip: Protect young plants from frost in cooler regions.

🌱 Propagation:

• Seeds: Soak seeds overnight in water, then plant ½ inch deep in moist potting soil. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm, sunny spot for germination (2–3 weeks).
• Cuttings: Root small cuttings in a nursery or plant larger cuttings (up to 2 m) directly in the field.
• Tip: Ensure pots are large enough to accommodate the taproot when growing in a nursery.

✂️ Pruning:

• Requirement: Regular pruning maintains shape, removes dead branches, and promotes flowering. Heavy pruning is tolerated but regrowth is slow.
• Tip: Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage healthy growth and air circulation.

🌿 Fertilization:

• Requirement: Apply a balanced fertilizer occasionally, especially in nutrient-poor soils. For young trees, foliar feed monthly with a diluted water-soluble or organic fertilizer (e.g., kelp or fish emulsion) at 1/3 to 1/4 strength.
• Tip: Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.

🐛 Pests & Diseases:

• Issue: Generally pest-resistant but may host cotton pests like cotton stainers or bollworms, so avoid planting in cotton-growing areas. The heartwood contains quinones that may cause contact dermatitis in some individuals.
• Tip: Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for pest control, focusing on natural methods.

🌳 Additional Tips:

• Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil fertility.
• Coastal Planting: Ideal for coastal areas due to its tolerance of salt spray and wind.
• Caution: Considered invasive in some regions like Florida and Puerto Rico; check local regulations before planting.

With proper care, Thespesia populnea will thrive, offering beauty, shade, and ecological benefits for years to come. Order your Portia Tree today and bring tropical elegance to your garden