
Photo: Forest & Kim StarrCC BY 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Timor Parkia Plant Care
Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily identified by its large, glossy, and deeply veined leaves. Originating from Timor, it is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and exotic origin, making it a rare and desirable addition to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Timor Parkia?
Plant Timor Parkia in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 10b–12b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Timor Parkia?
Timor Parkia (Parkia timoriana) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Parkia genus. Timor Parkia is native to Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Assam and Manipur in India. Timor Parkia is also known as Tree Bean, Parkia timoriana.
Timor Parkia displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Timor Parkia produces showy clusters of small, fragrant white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Timor Parkia?
Water a young or newly planted Timor 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Timor Parkia Need?
Timor Parkia thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Timor Parkia Prefer?
Parkia timoriana tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Timor Parkia prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Timor Parkia?
Well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Timor Parkia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Timor Parkia?
Feed Timor 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Timor Parkia?
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.
Timor Parkia is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Timor Parkia?
Timor 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.
How Do You Prune a Timor Parkia?
Prune Timor 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.
How Do You Care for a Timor Parkia in Winter?
Timor Parkia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Timor Parkia?
Timor Parkia can be propagated through seeds, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to two-colored parkia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Timor Parkia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Timor Parkia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Timor Parkia?
Timor 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Timor Parkia Need?
Timor Parkia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Timor Parkia is native to Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Assam and Manipur in India. In cooler regions, grow Timor Parkia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Timor Parkia is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Parkia genus — compare its care with other Parkia species on PlantoScan.
Parkia is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Timor Parkia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Parkia Species
Other Parkia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr., family Fabaceae (first published in Philipp. J. Sci., C 5: 33 (1910)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Timor Parkia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
