Yoro Derris Plant Care

Yoro Derris (Lonchocarpus yoroensis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Lonchocarpus genus. Yoro Derris is native to Honduras and Nicaragua. Yoro Derris is also known as Yoro Lancepod.

Yoro Derris displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Yoro Derris produces showy clusters of pink, purple, or white pea-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Yoro Derris 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.

Yoro Derris thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Lonchocarpus yoroensis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Yoro Derris prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Yoro Derris to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Yoro Derris 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 added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Yoro Derris 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.

Yoro Derris can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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 Yoro Derris 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.

Yoro Derris 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.

Yoro Derris can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lonchocarpus minimiflorus plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Yoro Derris is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, spider mites. 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.

Yoro Derris grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Yoro Derris is native to Honduras and Nicaragua. In cooler regions, grow Yoro Derris as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.