Acle (Albizia acle)

Image: AI generated

Acle Plant Care

Albizia acle (Blanco) Merr.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Featuring delicate, fern-like foliage, this tropical tree hails from the Philippines and is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and exotic appearance. Its pinnate leaves and graceful branches make it a standout addition to any collection, adding a touch of elegance and intrigue to any garden or indoor space.

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Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Acle?

Plant Acle in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

What Is the Acle?

Acle (Albizia acle) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Albizia genus. Acle is native to Philippines, Indonesia. Acle is also known as Molave.

Acle displays a fast-growing tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Acle produces showy clusters of fragrant pink or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Acle?

Water a young or newly planted Acle 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 Acle Need?

Acle thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Acle Prefer?

Albizia acle tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Acle prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Acle?

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Acle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Acle?

Feed Acle 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 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 Acle?

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

Acle 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Acle?

Acle 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 Acle?

Prune Acle 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 Acle in Winter?

Acle 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.

How Do You Propagate a Acle?

Acle can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to forest flamboyant plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Acle Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Acle, 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 Acle?

Acle 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Acle Need?

Acle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Acle is native to Philippines, Indonesia. In cooler regions, grow Acle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Acle 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 Albizia genus — compare its care with other Albizia species on PlantoScan.

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

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

More Albizia Species

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

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Albizia acle (Blanco) Merr., family Fabaceae (first published in Philipp. J. Sci., C 5: 25 (1910)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Acle, 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 13a, 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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