Two-colored Parkia Plant Care

Two-colored Parkia (Parkia bicolor) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Parkia genus. Two-colored Parkia is native to tropical West and Central Africa. Two-colored Parkia is also known as Bicolor Torchwood, Parkia bicolor.

Two-colored Parkia displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Two-colored Parkia produces showy clusters of small, fragrant white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Two-colored Parkia 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.

Two-colored Parkia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Parkia bicolor tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Two-colored Parkia prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Two-colored Parkia 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 mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Two-colored Parkia is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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.

Two-colored Parkia 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 Two-colored Parkia 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.

Two-colored Parkia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Two-colored Parkia can be propagated through seeds, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african locust bean plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Two-colored Parkia 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.

Two-colored Parkia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Two-colored Parkia is native to tropical West and Central Africa. In cooler regions, grow Two-colored Parkia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.