Kwila Plant Care

Kwila (Intsia bijuga var. bijuga) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Intsia genus. Kwila is also known as Merbau, Vesi, Lifaka.

Kwila displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Kwila produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Kwila 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.

Kwila thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Intsia bijuga var. bijuga tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Kwila prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Kwila 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.

Kwila 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.

Kwila can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 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 Kwila 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.

Kwila 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.

Kwila can be propagated through seeds, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to merbau plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Kwila is susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, scale insects. 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.

Kwila grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Kwila as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.