How to Grow Liquidambar - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Liquidambar is a tall tree with scented, lobed leaves and spherical fruit. The liquidambar plant is native to warm temperate regions of Asia and North America. It has been introduced to Europe and Australia.

How to Grow Liquidambar - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

sweet gum tree
red gum tree
storax tree
altingiaceae
Liquidambar formosana

Things to Know

Liquidambar is a genus of flowering plants in the family Altingiaceae, native to eastern North America and eastern and southern Asia.
The genus comprises four species, three of which are native to North America and one to Asia.
The North American species are Liquidambar styraciflua, Liquidambar styraciflua var. styraciflua, and Liquidambar styraciflua var. virginiana.
The Asian species is Liquidambar formosana.
Liquidambar species are large deciduous trees growing to 2040 m tall, with smooth, glossy bark, and alternate, simple, pinnate leaves with 59 leaflets.
The leaves turn a spectacular range of autumn colours, including red, orange, yellow and brown, before falling.
The flowers are small, borne in clusters in the leaf axils, with five petals, and develop into woody, spiky fruits known as "gumballs" which contain winged seeds.
Liquidambar trees are cultivated as ornamental trees for their autumn foliage in temperate regions of the world.
They are also used in landscaping and as street trees.
Liquidambar wood is used in furniture making, veneers, and ornamental woodwork.

How to Grow

For liquidambar, first step is to plant the tree in early spring or late fall in an appropriate location.
Next, water the tree deeply and regularly during the first growing season to help it establish a strong root system.
Fertilize the tree each year with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, in early spring.
Prune the tree as needed to maintain a desired shape or size.
Protect the tree from strong winds by staking it, if necessary.
Keep the area around the tree free of weeds and other competing vegetation.
Water the tree during dry periods, but do not over-water.
Inspect the tree regularly for signs of pests or disease and take action as needed.
Harvest the trees leaves, flowers, or fruit as desired.
Enjoy your beautiful liquidambar tree!

Related plant:
Liquidambar Styraciflua

Soil Condition

About soil condition, it should be noted that Liquidambar can adapt to a range of soils but prefer deep, moist, well-drained, and humus-rich soils. They are also tolerant of clay soils. It should be noted that the tree does not like overly wet conditions or drought.

Light requirement

Similar to other trees, the liquidambar tree also requires ample sunlight in order to grow and thrive. In fact, this tree prefers full sun to partial shade, so it's important to place it in an area of your yard that gets plenty of direct sunlight each day. If you live in an area with hot summers, you may need to provide some additional protection for your tree, such as positioning it in a spot that gets some afternoon shade.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition in liquidambar is suboptimal for many plants and animals. The low temperature and high humidity can lead to fungal and bacterial growth, which can harm plants and animals. The lack of sunlight can also stunt plant growth.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40-60%. If the environment is too dry, the leaves will start to curl and drop off. If the environment is too wet, the leaves will start to yellow and fall off.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant is rather adaptable and not too fussy. A general-purpose liquidambar tree fertilizer will do the trick. It's best to apply the fertilizer in early spring, before the new growth begins. As for the roots, they are relatively shallow and spread wide, so it's important to be careful when digging around them.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your liquidambar plant healthy and looking its best. Pruning helps to encourage new growth and also helps to control the plant's size and shape. When pruning your liquidambar, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears. Make clean, sharp cuts at a 45-degree angle, just above a leaf node.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of Liquidambar styraciflua, commonly called sweetgum, is typically by seed. It can, however, be propagated by root cuttings taken from young trees in late winter before new growth begins. The cuttings should be 10-12 inches long and should have 2-3 buds. Root cuttings can be a little tricky, so if you are not experienced in taking them, it is best to consult with a professional.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the species planted. Growth rates also vary depending on the climate and growing conditions. Some species of liquidambar can grow up to 24 inches per year while others may only grow 6 inches per year.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are scale, aphids, and sooty mold. Scale can be controlled with horticultural oil, while aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap. Sooty mold is a black fungus that can grow on the leaves of liquidambar trees if there is a heavy infestation of aphids. If sooty mold is a problem, the aphids must be controlled first.

Growing Tips

If you are growing liquidambar plant for the first time, start with a small plant.
Choose a location for your plant that has well-drained soil and gets full sun.
Water your liquidambar plant regularly, making sure the soil stays moist but not wet.
Fertilize your plant every few weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Prune your liquidambar plant as needed to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
Liquidambar plants are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, so be sure to check your plant regularly for signs of problems.
If you live in an area where liquidambar plants are not winter-hardy, you will need to bring your plant indoors or grow it in a greenhouse over the winter.
You can propagate liquidambar plants from seed, cuttings, or root divisions