Pithecellobium foliolosum (Chloroleucon foliolosum)

Photo: Thomaz Ricardo Favreto SinaniCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Pithecellobium foliolosum Plant Care

Chloroleucon foliolosum (Benth.) G.P.Lewis

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant's unique feature is its delicate, fern-like leaves that are a vibrant green color. Originating from Central and South America, Chloroleucon foliolosum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking foliage and ability to thrive in tropical climates. Its graceful appearance adds a touch of elegance to any collection.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs🍃Climbers & Vines
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–90°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Pithecellobium foliolosum?

Plant Pithecellobium foliolosum in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 10a–11b) 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 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Pithecellobium foliolosum Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the Pithecellobium foliolosum?

Pithecellobium foliolosum (Chloroleucon foliolosum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Chloroleucon genus. Pithecellobium foliolosum is native to Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia. Pithecellobium foliolosum is also known as Albizia foliolosa.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Pithecellobium foliolosum?

Water a young or newly planted Pithecellobium foliolosum 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 foliolosum Need?

Pithecellobium foliolosum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pithecellobium foliolosum Prefer?

Chloroleucon foliolosum tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Pithecellobium foliolosum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–90°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pithecellobium foliolosum?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Pithecellobium foliolosum?

Feed Pithecellobium foliolosum 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 foliolosum?

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.

Pithecellobium foliolosum is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

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 foliolosum?

Pithecellobium foliolosum 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 foliolosum?

Prune Pithecellobium foliolosum 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 foliolosum in Winter?

Pithecellobium foliolosum 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 Pithecellobium foliolosum?

Pithecellobium foliolosum can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to albizia torta plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Pithecellobium foliolosum Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Pithecellobium foliolosum, 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 foliolosum?

Pithecellobium foliolosum is susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, 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 foliolosum Need?

Pithecellobium foliolosum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Pithecellobium foliolosum is native to Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia. In cooler regions, grow Pithecellobium foliolosum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 10a – 11b

Keep exploring plants

Pithecellobium foliolosum 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 Chloroleucon genus — compare its care with other Chloroleucon species on PlantoScan.

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

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

More Chloroleucon Species

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

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Chloroleucon foliolosum (Benth.) G.P.Lewis, family Fabaceae (first published in Legumes Bahia : 166 (1987)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pithecellobium foliolosum, 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: Thomaz Ricardo Favreto Sinani, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, 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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