Pointed Leucaena Plant Care
Leucaena cuspidata Standl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Leucaena cuspidata is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is found only in Mexico.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–90°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Pointed Leucaena?
Plant Pointed Leucaena in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 4–7 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F (16–32°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Pointed Leucaena?
Pointed Leucaena (Leucaena cuspidata) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Leucaena genus.
Pointed Leucaena displays a fast-growing small tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Pointed Leucaena produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pointed Leucaena?
Water a young or newly planted Pointed Leucaena every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Pointed Leucaena Need?
Pointed Leucaena thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pointed Leucaena Prefer?
Leucaena cuspidata tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F. Pointed Leucaena prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pointed Leucaena?
Well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Pointed Leucaena to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Pointed Leucaena?
Feed Pointed Leucaena 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 Pointed Leucaena?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Pointed Leucaena is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
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 Pointed Leucaena?
Pointed Leucaena can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 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.
How Do You Prune a Pointed Leucaena?
Prune Pointed Leucaena 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 Pointed Leucaena in Winter?
Pointed Leucaena 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 Pointed Leucaena?
Pointed Leucaena can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to red leadtree plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Pointed Leucaena Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Pointed Leucaena, 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 Pointed Leucaena?
Pointed Leucaena is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers. 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 Pointed Leucaena Need?
Pointed Leucaena grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Pointed Leucaena as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Pointed Leucaena 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 Leucaena genus — compare its care with other Leucaena species on PlantoScan.
Leucaena is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Pointed Leucaena thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Leucaena Species
Other Leucaena species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Leucaena cuspidata Standl., family Fabaceae (first published in Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 20: 189 (1919)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pointed Leucaena, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, 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.
