
Photo: AyacopPublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons
Dalbergia oligophylla Plant Care
Dalbergia oligophylla Baker ex Hutch. & Dalziel
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant features unique trifoliate leaves with a glossy appearance, making it a standout addition to any collection. Originating from Madagascar, Dalbergia oligophylla is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare and exotic beauty that adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Dalbergia oligophylla?
Plant Dalbergia oligophylla in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 11a–12b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Dalbergia oligophylla Native To?
What Is the Dalbergia oligophylla?
Dalbergia oligophylla (Dalbergia oligophylla) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Dalbergia genus. Dalbergia oligophylla is native to Cameroon, and naturalized in certain parts of the Caroline Islands.
Dalbergia oligophylla displays a tall tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Dalbergia oligophylla produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dalbergia oligophylla?
Water a young or newly planted Dalbergia oligophylla 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 Dalbergia oligophylla Need?
Dalbergia oligophylla thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dalbergia oligophylla Prefer?
Dalbergia oligophylla tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Dalbergia oligophylla prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dalbergia oligophylla?
Well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Dalbergia oligophylla to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dalbergia oligophylla?
Feed Dalbergia oligophylla 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 Dalbergia oligophylla?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Dalbergia oligophylla is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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 Dalbergia oligophylla?
Dalbergia oligophylla 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 Dalbergia oligophylla?
Prune Dalbergia oligophylla 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 Dalbergia oligophylla in Winter?
Dalbergia oligophylla is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). 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 Dalbergia oligophylla?
Dalbergia oligophylla can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to thorny rosewood plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dalbergia oligophylla Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dalbergia oligophylla, 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 Dalbergia oligophylla?
Dalbergia oligophylla is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. 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 Dalbergia oligophylla Need?
Dalbergia oligophylla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Dalbergia oligophylla is native to Cameroon, and naturalized in certain parts of the Caroline Islands. In cooler regions, grow Dalbergia oligophylla as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Dalbergia oligophylla 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 Dalbergia genus — compare its care with other Dalbergia species on PlantoScan.
Dalbergia is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Dalbergia oligophylla thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Dalbergia Species
Other Dalbergia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dalbergia oligophylla Baker ex Hutch. & Dalziel, family Fabaceae (first published in Fl. W. Trop. Afr. 1: 374 (1928)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dalbergia oligophylla, 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: Ayacop, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, 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.
