Albizia lehmannii Plant Care

Albizia lehmannii (Abarema lehmannii) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Abarema genus. Albizia lehmannii is native to the Andes of west-central Colombia and southern Peru. Albizia lehmannii is also known as Inga pulcherrima.

Albizia lehmannii displays a tall tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Albizia lehmannii produces showy clusters of small, fragrant flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Albizia lehmannii every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Albizia lehmannii thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Abarema lehmannii tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Albizia lehmannii prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Albizia lehmannii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Albizia lehmannii every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Albizia lehmannii is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Albizia lehmannii can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Albizia lehmannii while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Albizia lehmannii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Albizia lehmannii can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to abarema abbottii plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Albizia lehmannii is susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Albizia lehmannii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Albizia lehmannii is native to the Andes of west-central Colombia and southern Peru. In cooler regions, grow Albizia lehmannii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.