Black Tibouchina Plant Care

Black Tibouchina (Tibouchina nigricans) belongs to the Melastomataceae family within the Tibouchina genus. Black Tibouchina is native to west-central Brazil.

Black Tibouchina displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Black Tibouchina produces showy, vibrant purple flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Black Tibouchina every 7–10 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.

Black Tibouchina thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Tibouchina nigricans tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Black Tibouchina prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Black Tibouchina to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Black Tibouchina 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, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Black Tibouchina 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.

Black Tibouchina can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Black Tibouchina 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.

Black Tibouchina 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.

Black Tibouchina can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white tibouchina plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Black Tibouchina is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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.

Black Tibouchina grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Black Tibouchina is native to west-central Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Black Tibouchina as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.