Wetare acacia (Acacia wetarensis)

Photo: Ian CowieCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Wetare acacia Plant Care

Acacia wetarensis Pedley

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant is easily identified by its unique feathery, fern-like leaves. Originating from Tanzania, Acacia wetarensis is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking appearance and ability to thrive in dry, arid climates.

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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 Wetare acacia?

Plant Wetare acacia in full sun (USDA zones 10b–12b) 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 Wetare acacia Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Wetare acacia?

Wetare acacia (Acacia wetarensis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Acacia genus. Wetare acacia is native to the Indonesian island of Wetar and Atauro Island of Timor-Leste in the Lesser Sunda Islands. Wetare acacia is also known as Wetar acacia.

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

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Wetare acacia?

Water a young or newly planted Wetare 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 Wetare acacia Need?

Wetare acacia thrives in full sun.

Light Requirement

Full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wetare acacia Prefer?

Acacia wetarensis tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Wetare acacia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–90°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wetare acacia?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Wetare acacia?

Feed Wetare 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 Wetare 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.

Wetare acacia is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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 Wetare acacia?

Wetare 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 Wetare acacia?

Prune Wetare 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 Wetare acacia in Winter?

Wetare acacia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). 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 Wetare acacia?

Wetare acacia can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to gold dust wattle plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Wetare acacia Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Wetare 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 Wetare acacia?

Wetare 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 Wetare acacia Need?

Wetare acacia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Wetare acacia is native to the Indonesian island of Wetar and Atauro Island of Timor-Leste in the Lesser Sunda Islands. In cooler regions, grow Wetare acacia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 10b – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Wetare 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 — compare its care with other Acacia species on PlantoScan.

Acacia is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.

Wetare acacia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Acacia Species

Other Acacia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Acacia wetarensis Pedley, family Fabaceae (first published in Contr. Queensland Herb. 18: 18 (1975)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Wetare 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: Ian Cowie, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • 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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