Terminalia glaucescens (Terminalia glaucescens)

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Terminalia glaucescens Plant Care

Terminalia glaucescens Planch. ex Benth.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant's most distinctive feature is its beautiful glossy, dark green leaves that have a silvery underside. Originating from the tropical forests of West Africa, Terminalia glaucescens is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking foliage and ability to thrive in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Terminalia glaucescens?

Plant Terminalia glaucescens 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 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Terminalia glaucescens Native To?

Native range40 countries

What Is the Terminalia glaucescens?

Terminalia glaucescens (Terminalia glaucescens) belongs to the Combretaceae family within the Terminalia genus. Terminalia glaucescens is native to tropical Africa from Guinea and Sierra Leone east to Uganda and Ethiopia.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Terminalia glaucescens?

Water a young or newly planted Terminalia glaucescens 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 Terminalia glaucescens Need?

Terminalia glaucescens thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Terminalia glaucescens Prefer?

Terminalia glaucescens tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Terminalia glaucescens prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Terminalia glaucescens?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Terminalia glaucescens?

Feed Terminalia glaucescens 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 Terminalia glaucescens?

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.

Terminalia glaucescens 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 Terminalia glaucescens?

Terminalia glaucescens 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.

How Do You Prune a Terminalia glaucescens?

Prune Terminalia glaucescens 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 Terminalia glaucescens in Winter?

Terminalia glaucescens 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 Terminalia glaucescens?

Terminalia glaucescens can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to grey terminalia plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Terminalia glaucescens Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Terminalia glaucescens, 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 Terminalia glaucescens?

Terminalia glaucescens is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, 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 Terminalia glaucescens Need?

Terminalia glaucescens grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Terminalia glaucescens is native to tropical Africa from Guinea and Sierra Leone east to Uganda and Ethiopia. In cooler regions, grow Terminalia glaucescens as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 10b – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Terminalia glaucescens 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 Terminalia genus — compare its care with other Terminalia species on PlantoScan.

Terminalia is part of the Combretaceae plant family — browse all Combretaceae genera and species.

Terminalia glaucescens thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Terminalia Species

Other Terminalia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Terminalia glaucescens Planch. ex Benth., family Combretaceae (first published in Niger Fl. : 336 (1849)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Terminalia glaucescens, 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: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
  • 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.

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