Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum Plant Care

Archidendron clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum (Thwaites) I.C.Nielsen

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant is easily recognized by its large, glossy, dark green leaves that have a unique lanceolate shape. Originating from the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, it is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking foliage and ability to thrive in humid environments. Its rare subspecies, subcoriaceum, is particularly prized for its attractive appearance and low maintenance requirements.

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Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum?

Plant Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a–12b) 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.

Where Is the Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum?

Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum (Archidendron clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Archidendron genus. Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum is native to India and Sri Lanka. Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum is also known as Archidendron clypearia var. subcoriaceum.

Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum displays a tall tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum produces showy clusters of small yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum?

Water a young or newly planted Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum 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 Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum Need?

Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum Prefer?

Archidendron clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum?

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum?

Feed Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum 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 Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum is suited to USDA Zone 13a – 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 Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum?

Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum 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 Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum?

Prune Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum 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 Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum in Winter?

Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum 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 Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum?

Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum can be propagated through seeds, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bigeminum archidendron plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum, 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 Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum?

Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum 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 Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum Need?

Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum is native to India and Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum 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 Archidendron genus — compare its care with other Archidendron species on PlantoScan.

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

Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Archidendron Species

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

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Archidendron clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum (Thwaites) I.C.Nielsen, family Fabaceae (first published in Opera Bot. 76: 57 (1984 publ. 1985)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pithecellobium clypearia subsp. subcoriaceum, 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.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a – 12b, 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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