Rich's Terminalia Plant Care
Terminalia richii A.Gray
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's glossy, dark green leaves are its most distinctive feature, giving it a sophisticated appearance. Originating from Madagascar, Terminalia richii is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique aesthetic and ability to thrive in tropical climates.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Rich's Terminalia?
Plant Rich's Terminalia in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 11a–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 Rich's Terminalia Native To?
What Is the Rich's Terminalia?
Rich's Terminalia (Terminalia richii) belongs to the Combretaceae family within the Terminalia genus. Rich's Terminalia is native to the central South Pacific in Oceania. Rich's Terminalia is also known as Vesi.
Rich's Terminalia displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Rich's Terminalia produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Rich's Terminalia?
Water a young or newly planted Rich's Terminalia 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 Rich's Terminalia Need?
Rich's Terminalia thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Rich's Terminalia Prefer?
Terminalia richii tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Rich's Terminalia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Rich's Terminalia?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Rich's Terminalia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Rich's Terminalia?
Feed Rich's Terminalia 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 Rich's Terminalia?
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.
Rich's Terminalia 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Rich's Terminalia?
Rich's Terminalia 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 Rich's Terminalia?
Prune Rich's Terminalia 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 Rich's Terminalia in Winter?
Rich's Terminalia 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.
How Do You Propagate a Rich's Terminalia?
Rich's Terminalia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to grey terminalia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Rich's Terminalia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Rich's Terminalia, 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 Rich's Terminalia?
Rich's Terminalia 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 Rich's Terminalia Need?
Rich's Terminalia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Rich's Terminalia is native to the central South Pacific in Oceania. In cooler regions, grow Rich's Terminalia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Rich's Terminalia 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.
Rich's Terminalia 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 richii A.Gray, family Combretaceae (first published in U.S. Expl. Exped., Phan. 1: 616 (1854)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Rich's Terminalia, 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 11a – 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.
