Tree Cotton Plant Care

Tree Cotton (Gossypium arboreum) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Gossypium genus. Tree Cotton is native to India and Sri Lanka. Tree Cotton is also known as Asiatic Cotton.

Tree Cotton displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Tree Cotton produces showy, hibiscus-like flowers in white, pink, or yellow.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Tree Cotton 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.

Tree Cotton thrives in full sun.

Gossypium arboreum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Tree Cotton prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Tree Cotton to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Tree Cotton 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Tree Cotton is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 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.

Tree Cotton can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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.

Prune Tree Cotton 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.

Tree Cotton 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.

Tree Cotton can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wild cotton plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Tree Cotton is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, thrips. 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.

Tree Cotton grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Tree Cotton is native to India and Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow Tree Cotton as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.