
Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Albizia torta Plant Care
Chloroleucon tortum (Mart.) Pittier
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's uniquely twisted and contorted branches give it a whimsical appearance. Originating from Central and South America, Chloroleucon tortum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unusual growth habit and its ability to thrive in a variety of growing conditions.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–90°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Albizia torta?
Plant Albizia torta 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.
What Is the Albizia torta?
Albizia torta (Chloroleucon tortum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Chloroleucon genus. Albizia torta is native to Brazil and Curaçao. Albizia torta is also known as Pithecellobium tortum.
Albizia torta displays a tall tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Albizia torta produces small white or yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Albizia torta?
Water a young or newly planted Albizia torta 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 Albizia torta Need?
Albizia torta thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Albizia torta Prefer?
Chloroleucon tortum tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Albizia torta prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Albizia torta?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Albizia torta to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Albizia torta?
Feed Albizia torta 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 Albizia torta?
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.
Albizia torta 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 Albizia torta?
Albizia torta 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 Albizia torta?
Prune Albizia torta 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 Albizia torta in Winter?
Albizia torta 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 Albizia torta?
Albizia torta can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pithecellobium foliolosum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Albizia torta Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Albizia torta, 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 Albizia torta?
Albizia torta 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 Albizia torta Need?
Albizia torta grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Albizia torta is native to Brazil and Curaçao. In cooler regions, grow Albizia torta as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Albizia torta 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.
Albizia torta 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 tortum (Mart.) Pittier, family Fabaceae (first published in Bol. Ci. Técn. Mus. Comercial Venezuela 1: 16 (1927)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Albizia torta, 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, 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.
