Ceylon Teak Plant Care

Ceylon Teak (Pericopsis mooniana) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Pericopsis genus. Ceylon Teak is native to Indonesia, Malaysia, Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. Ceylon Teak is also known as Kumbuk.

Ceylon Teak displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Ceylon Teak produces small yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Ceylon Teak 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.

Ceylon Teak thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Pericopsis mooniana tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Ceylon Teak 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 compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Ceylon Teak to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Ceylon Teak 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 compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Ceylon Teak 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.

Ceylon Teak 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 Ceylon Teak 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.

Ceylon Teak 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.

Ceylon Teak can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to afromosia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Ceylon Teak 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.

Ceylon Teak grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Ceylon Teak is native to Indonesia, Malaysia, Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow Ceylon Teak as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.