Yellow lapacho (Handroanthus serratifolius)
Care, watering, light and tips for Yellow lapacho on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Bignoniaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Yellow lapacho
Handroanthus serratifolius, commonly known as green ebony or yellow poui, is a tropical deciduous to semi-deciduous tree renowned for its exceptionally hard wood and spectacular bright yellow blooms in spring. Its dark green foliage and dense canopy make it an excellent shade tree for large gardens or avenues, adding a vibrant and exotic touch to the landscape.
Native range
South America (mainly Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and Paraguay)
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal flowering and prefers well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soils. Watering should be regular during the first few years, especially in dry periods, but once established, it tolerates drought. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot; ensure the substrate dries slightly between waterings.
How to save a dying Yellow lapacho
- Warning signs
- Wilted, yellowing, or prematurely falling leaves. Bark cracking or peeling.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. If potted, consider repotting to a larger one or planting in the ground. Protect from extreme cold.
- What kills it
- Constant waterlogging causing root rot. Lack of direct sun or poor, nutrient-deficient soils.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotted and the main trunk is healthy. Requires patience and gradual adjustments.