Jurema Preta Plant Care

Jurema Preta (Mimosa tenuifolia) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Mimosa genus. Jurema Preta is native to Asia, the Caribbean, India and South America. Jurema Preta is also known as Black Jurema.

Jurema Preta displays a fast-growing spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Jurema Preta produces puffball-like clusters of pink, white, or purple flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Jurema Preta 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.

Jurema Preta thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Mimosa tenuifolia tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Jurema Preta prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Jurema Preta to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Jurema Preta 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 sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Jurema Preta 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.

Jurema Preta can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 Jurema Preta 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.

Jurema Preta 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.

Jurema Preta can be propagated through seeds, root cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to devil's claw plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Jurema Preta is susceptible to spider mites, 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.

Jurema Preta grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Jurema Preta is native to Asia, the Caribbean, India and South America. In cooler regions, grow Jurema Preta as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.