Large-leaved Acacia (Acacia macrophylla)

Image: AI generated

Large-leaved Acacia Plant Care

Acacia macrophylla Bunge

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Albizia lebbeck is a species of plant in the family Fabaceae, native to the Indian subcontinent and Myanmar. It is widely cultivated and naturalised in other tropical and subtropical regions, including Australia.

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Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun

Temp

50–90°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Large-leaved Acacia?

Plant Large-leaved Acacia in full sun (USDA zones 12a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Large-leaved Acacia Native To?

Native range8 countries

What Is the Large-leaved Acacia?

Large-leaved Acacia (Acacia macrophylla) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Acacia genus. Large-leaved Acacia is native to the Indian subcontinent and Myanmar. Large-leaved Acacia is also known as Large-leaved Wattle.

Large-leaved Acacia displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Large-leaved Acacia produces clusters of small yellow or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Large-leaved Acacia?

Water a young or newly planted Large-leaved Acacia 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Large-leaved Acacia Need?

Large-leaved Acacia thrives in full sun.

Light Requirement

Full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Large-leaved Acacia Prefer?

Acacia macrophylla tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Large-leaved Acacia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–90°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Large-leaved Acacia?

Well-draining sandy soil mix with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Large-leaved Acacia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Large-leaved Acacia?

Feed Large-leaved Acacia every 8 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.

Fertilizing

Every 8 months

During the growing season

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

Where Should You Plant a Large-leaved Acacia?

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil mix with some organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Large-leaved Acacia is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Large-leaved Acacia?

Large-leaved Acacia 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.

How Do You Prune a Large-leaved Acacia?

Prune Large-leaved Acacia 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.

How Do You Care for a Large-leaved Acacia in Winter?

Large-leaved Acacia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Large-leaved Acacia?

Large-leaved Acacia can be propagated through seeds, cuttings.

Is the Large-leaved Acacia Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Large-leaved Acacia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

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

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Large-leaved Acacia?

Large-leaved Acacia is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Large-leaved Acacia Need?

Large-leaved Acacia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Large-leaved Acacia is native to the Indian subcontinent and Myanmar. In cooler regions, grow Large-leaved Acacia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Large-leaved Acacia is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Acacia genus (family Fabaceae) — search all Acacia species in the plant lookup.

Large-leaved Acacia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Acacia macrophylla Bunge, family Fabaceae (first published in Enum. Pl. China Bor. : 20 (1833)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Large-leaved Acacia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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