White leadtree Plant Care

White leadtree (Leucaena leucocephala) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Leucaena genus. White leadtree is native to southern Mexico and northern Central America. White leadtree is also known as Jumbey, River tamarind, Lead tree.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted White 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.

White leadtree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Leucaena leucocephala tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F. White leadtree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed White 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.

White leadtree is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 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.

White 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 White 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.

White 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.

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

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

White 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.

White leadtree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. White leadtree is native to southern Mexico and northern Central America. In cooler regions, grow White leadtree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.