
Photo: ꦥꦤ꧀ꦗꦶꦒꦸꦱ꧀ꦠꦶꦄꦏ꧀ꦧꦂCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
White-Bark Acacia Plant Care
Vachellia leucophloea (Roxb.) Maslin, Seigler & Ebinger
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This tree's most distinctive visual feature is its feathery, bipinnate leaves that create a delicate and elegant appearance. Originating from India and Southeast Asia, Vachellia leucophloea is highly sought after by plant collectors for its attractive foliage and ability to thrive in tropical climates.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for White-Bark Acacia?
Plant White-Bark Acacia in full sun (USDA zones 10a–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 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the White-Bark Acacia Native To?
What Is the White-Bark Acacia?
White-Bark Acacia (Vachellia leucophloea) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Vachellia genus. White-Bark Acacia is native to South and Southeast Asia. White-Bark Acacia is also known as White-Bark Thorn Tree, Khejri, Gonda.
White-Bark Acacia displays a fast-growing tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. White-Bark Acacia produces small, fluffy, pale yellow to cream-colored flowers in spherical clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a White-Bark Acacia?
Water a young or newly planted White-Bark Acacia 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 White-Bark Acacia Need?
White-Bark Acacia thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the White-Bark Acacia Prefer?
Vachellia leucophloea tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. White-Bark Acacia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a White-Bark Acacia?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for White-Bark Acacia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a White-Bark Acacia?
Feed White-Bark Acacia every 8 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 8 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 White-Bark Acacia?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
White-Bark Acacia is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 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 White-Bark Acacia?
White-Bark Acacia 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 White-Bark Acacia?
Prune White-Bark Acacia 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 White-Bark Acacia in Winter?
White-Bark Acacia 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 White-Bark Acacia?
White-Bark Acacia can be propagated through seeds, root cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bullhorn acacia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the White-Bark Acacia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list White-Bark Acacia, 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 White-Bark Acacia?
White-Bark Acacia is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, thrips. 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 White-Bark Acacia Need?
White-Bark Acacia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. White-Bark Acacia is native to South and Southeast Asia. In cooler regions, grow White-Bark Acacia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
White-Bark Acacia 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 Vachellia genus — compare its care with other Vachellia species on PlantoScan.
Vachellia is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
White-Bark Acacia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Vachellia Species
Other Vachellia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Vachellia leucophloea (Roxb.) Maslin, Seigler & Ebinger, family Fabaceae (first published in Blumea 58: 42 (2013)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list White-Bark Acacia, 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: ꦥꦤ꧀ꦗꦶꦒꦸꦱ꧀ꦠꦶꦄꦏ꧀ꦧꦂ, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 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.
