Plathymenia reticulata Plant Care
Plathymenia reticulata Benth.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Plathymenia reticulata is a species of legume native to much of eastern South America. It is placed in its own genus, Platyhymenia, although other species have previously been recognised in that genus.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Plathymenia reticulata?
Plant Plathymenia reticulata in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Plathymenia reticulata Native To?
What Is the Plathymenia reticulata?
Plathymenia reticulata (Plathymenia reticulata) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Plathymenia genus. Plathymenia reticulata is native to much of eastern South America.
Plathymenia reticulata displays a tall tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Plathymenia reticulata produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Plathymenia reticulata?
Water a young or newly planted Plathymenia reticulata 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 Plathymenia reticulata Need?
Plathymenia reticulata thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Plathymenia reticulata Prefer?
Plathymenia reticulata tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Plathymenia reticulata prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Plathymenia reticulata?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Plathymenia reticulata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Plathymenia reticulata?
Feed Plathymenia reticulata 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 Plathymenia reticulata?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Plathymenia reticulata 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Plathymenia reticulata?
Plathymenia reticulata 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 Plathymenia reticulata?
Prune Plathymenia reticulata 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 Plathymenia reticulata in Winter?
Plathymenia reticulata 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.
How Do You Propagate a Plathymenia reticulata?
Plathymenia reticulata can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to plathymenia foliolosa plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Plathymenia reticulata Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Plathymenia reticulata, 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 Plathymenia reticulata?
Plathymenia reticulata 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 Plathymenia reticulata Need?
Plathymenia reticulata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Plathymenia reticulata is native to much of eastern South America. In cooler regions, grow Plathymenia reticulata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Plathymenia reticulata 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 Plathymenia genus — compare its care with other Plathymenia species on PlantoScan.
Plathymenia is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Plathymenia reticulata thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Plathymenia reticulata Benth., family Fabaceae (first published in J. Bot. (Hooker) 4: 334 (1841)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Plathymenia reticulata, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
