Red Leadtree Plant Care

Red Leadtree (Leucaena diversifolia) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Leucaena genus. Red Leadtree is native to Mexico and Guatemala. Red Leadtree is also known as Feather Tree, Diversifolia Leadtree, Leucaena diversifolia.

Red Leadtree displays a fast-growing small tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Red Leadtree produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Red Leadtree 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.

Red Leadtree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Leucaena diversifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F. Red Leadtree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Red Leadtree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Red Leadtree 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 to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Red Leadtree is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

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.

Red Leadtree 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.

Prune Red Leadtree 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.

Red Leadtree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Red Leadtree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white leadtree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Red Leadtree 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.

Red Leadtree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Red Leadtree is native to Mexico and Guatemala. In cooler regions, grow Red Leadtree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.