Adenanthera microsperma Plant Care

Adenanthera microsperma (Adenanthera microsperma) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Adenanthera genus. Adenanthera microsperma is native to Southern China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

Adenanthera microsperma displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Adenanthera microsperma produces small, red flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Adenanthera microsperma 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.

Adenanthera microsperma thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Adenanthera microsperma tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Adenanthera microsperma prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Adenanthera microsperma to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Adenanthera microsperma 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 sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Adenanthera microsperma is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 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.

Adenanthera microsperma 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 Adenanthera microsperma 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.

Adenanthera microsperma 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.

Adenanthera microsperma can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to red sandalwood tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Adenanthera microsperma is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, scale insects. 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.

Adenanthera microsperma grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Adenanthera microsperma is native to Southern China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Adenanthera microsperma as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.