East African Albizia Plant Care

East African Albizia (Albizia gummifera) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Albizia genus. East African Albizia is native to sub-saharan Africa and Madagascar, and naturalized in Brazil. East African Albizia is also known as Gummy Albizia, Uganda Railway Sleeper Tree.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted East African Albizia 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.

East African Albizia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Albizia gummifera tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. East African Albizia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed East African Albizia 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 with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

East African Albizia 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.

East African Albizia 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 East African Albizia 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.

East African Albizia 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.

East African Albizia can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to acle plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

East African Albizia 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.

East African Albizia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. East African Albizia is native to sub-saharan Africa and Madagascar, and naturalized in Brazil. In cooler regions, grow East African Albizia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.