
Photo: Charles LemairePublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons
Gilbertiodendron bilineatum Plant Care
Gilbertiodendron bilineatum (Hutch. & Dalziel) J.Léonard
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant features large, glossy, dark green leaves with bright yellow veins, originating from the tropical rainforests of West Africa. Gilbertiodendron bilineatum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking foliage and unique coloration, making it a prized addition to any indoor jungle.
Every 7–14 days
Partial to full sun
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Gilbertiodendron bilineatum?
Plant Gilbertiodendron bilineatum in partial to full sun (USDA zones 13b) 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 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Gilbertiodendron bilineatum Native To?
What Is the Gilbertiodendron bilineatum?
Gilbertiodendron bilineatum (Gilbertiodendron bilineatum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Gilbertiodendron genus. Gilbertiodendron bilineatum is native to Ivory Coast, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
Gilbertiodendron bilineatum displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 80 ft tall with a spread of approximately 40 ft. Gilbertiodendron bilineatum produces small yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Gilbertiodendron bilineatum?
Water a young or newly planted Gilbertiodendron bilineatum 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 Gilbertiodendron bilineatum Need?
Gilbertiodendron bilineatum thrives in partial to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Gilbertiodendron bilineatum Prefer?
Gilbertiodendron bilineatum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Gilbertiodendron bilineatum prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Gilbertiodendron bilineatum?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Gilbertiodendron bilineatum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Gilbertiodendron bilineatum?
Feed Gilbertiodendron bilineatum every 8 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 8 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 Gilbertiodendron bilineatum?
Choose a spot with partial to full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Gilbertiodendron bilineatum is suited to USDA Zone 13b.
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 Gilbertiodendron bilineatum?
Gilbertiodendron bilineatum can spread to about 40 ft (12.2 m) and reach about 80 ft (24 m) tall. Space plants about 40 ft (12.2 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 Gilbertiodendron bilineatum?
Prune Gilbertiodendron bilineatum 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 Gilbertiodendron bilineatum in Winter?
Gilbertiodendron bilineatum 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 Gilbertiodendron bilineatum?
Gilbertiodendron bilineatum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african mahogany plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Gilbertiodendron bilineatum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Gilbertiodendron bilineatum, 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 Gilbertiodendron bilineatum?
Gilbertiodendron bilineatum is susceptible to aphids, 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 Gilbertiodendron bilineatum Need?
Gilbertiodendron bilineatum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Gilbertiodendron bilineatum is native to Ivory Coast, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. In cooler regions, grow Gilbertiodendron bilineatum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Gilbertiodendron bilineatum 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 Gilbertiodendron genus — compare its care with other Gilbertiodendron species on PlantoScan.
Gilbertiodendron is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Gilbertiodendron bilineatum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Gilbertiodendron Species
Other Gilbertiodendron species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Gilbertiodendron bilineatum (Hutch. & Dalziel) J.Léonard, family Fabaceae (first published in Bull. Jard. Bot. État Bruxelles 24: 58 (1954)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Gilbertiodendron bilineatum, 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: Charles Lemaire, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, 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.
