Pride of India Plant Care

Pride of India (Gustavia superba) belongs to the Lecythidaceae family within the Gustavia genus.

Pride of India displays a tall tree, canopy-forming growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Pride of India produces large, showy flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pride of India 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.

Pride of India thrives in filtered sunlight, partial shade. Avoid placing Pride of India in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Gustavia superba tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Pride of India prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Pride of India to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Pride of India 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 filtered sunlight, partial shade and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pride of India 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.

Pride of India can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Pride of India 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.

Pride of India 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.

Pride of India can be propagated through seeds, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to heavenly bamboo plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Pride of India is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

Pride of India grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Pride of India as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.