How to Grow Rain Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Rain tree is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to tropical regions of the world. The plant gets its name from the fact that it often blooms during periods of heavy rain. The rain tree is a member of the legume family, and its flowers are typically a deep red or purple color. The plant is also known for its large, umbrella-like leaves, which can provide shade and protection from the sun and rain.

How to Grow Rain Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Tropical Rainforest Trees
  • Tropical Trees
  • Tropical Forests
  • Tropical Plants
  • Tropical Rainforests

Good to Know

  • What is a rain tree?
  • A rain tree is a tropical tree that is known for its large, umbrella-like canopy.
  • Where do rain trees grow?
  • Rain trees are native to Central and South America, but can also be found in parts of Africa and Asia.
  • What do rain trees look like?
  • Rain trees can grow to be up to 100 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 4 feet. They have large, leathery leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern on the branches. The leaves are 6-12 feet long and 2-4 feet wide. The tree produces small, white flowers that grow in clusters.
  • How do rain trees reproduce?
  • Rain trees are monoecious, meaning that they have both male and female flowers on the same tree. The flowers are pollinated by insects, such as bees. The tree produces fruits that are 3-4 inches long and contain a large seed.
  • What are the benefits of rain trees?
  • The large canopy of a rain tree provides shade and shelter for animals and humans. The tree is also used for medicinal purposes, as the bark and leaves can be used to make teas that are said to have healing properties.

Related plant:
Leycesteria Formosa Purple Rain

Growing Steps

  1. For rain tree, first step is to get a tree sapling from the store.
  2. Plant the sapling in an area that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil.
  3. Water regularly, giving the tree about an inch of water per week.
  4. Fertilize yearly with a tree fertilizer.
  5. Prune in early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches.
  6. Protect the tree from strong winds with staking or by planting it next to a taller tree.
  7. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly if needed.
  8. If you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, you may need to provide supplemental water during dry periods.
  9. Rain trees can be propagated from seed, although it can be a bit tricky.
  10. Once your tree is established, it should be relatively low-maintenance, only needing occasional watering and pruning.

Related plant:
Rainbow Tree

Soil Condition

About soil condition, rain tree can grow in a wide range of soils, from sandy to clayey and from well-drained to waterlogged soils. It is also tolerant to salinity. This tree can also grow in a range of soil textures, from sandy to loamy.

About light

Not too different with other trees, rain trees need sunlight to grow. However, they are tolerant of shady conditions and can even grow under the canopy of other trees. Their leaves are large and lobed, and they have an umbrella-like shape. Rain trees are native to tropical regions and can grow to be over 100 feet tall!

The Temperature

The temperature condition is perfect for the rain tree. It is warm enough for the tree to grow, but not too hot. The rain tree needs a lot of water, so the warm weather helps the tree to grow. The rain tree is a beautiful tree that is native to the tropics. It has a wide, spreading canopy that is perfect for providing shade on a hot day. The rain tree is also a great tree for providing privacy.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40-60%. The air should not be too dry nor too wet. If the air is too dry, the leaves of the rain tree will begin to drop. If the air is too wet, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, this type of plant is not very demanding. An all-purpose fertilizer will suffice. It's important to fertilize regularly, however, because rain trees are heavy feeders. The roots of a rain tree are brittle and easily damaged. Be careful when handling the roots, and avoid breaking them if possible.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping a rain tree healthy and strong. Though rain trees are naturally resistant to disease and pests, proper pruning can help ensure that your tree will continue to thrive for years to come. When pruning a rain tree, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Doing so will help to promote new growth and keep your tree looking its best.

About Propagating

Propagation of the rain tree is usually done by seed, which is sown in early spring in a warm greenhouse. The seed germinates readily and the young plants are ready to be transplanted to their permanent positions in the summer.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate between 3 to 8 m in a year. It's possible for the rain tree to grow 10 to 20 cm in a year. It's possible for the rain tree to grow 10 to 20 cm in a year. The rain tree can also tolerate a wide range of climates, from tropical to subtropical.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars, snails, and nematodes. For caterpillars, you can use Bacillus thuringiensis or spinosad. For snails, you can use copper sulfate or iron phosphate. For nematodes, you can use solarization or steam.

Growing Tips

  • If you are growing a rain tree in a pot, make sure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
  • Place your rain tree in an area that receives full sun for best results.
  • Water your rain tree regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
  • Fertilize your rain tree every month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your rain tree as needed to shape it and remove any damaged or diseased branches.
  • Your rain tree may be susceptible to pests such as aphids and scale, so monitor it closely and treat with an appropriate insecticide if necessary.
  • In areas with cold winters, your rain tree may need to be moved indoors or into a greenhouse for protection.
  • Rain trees can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
  • If you are growing a rain tree in a pot, it will need to be repotted every few

Similar Plants

  • Quina
  • Corymbia
  • Sydney red gum
  • Blue gum
  • Southern mahogany
  • Mountain ash
  • Ghost gum
  • Manna gum
  • Ribbon gum
  • Red box

Source:
Rain Garden Plants:(Physocarpus opulifolius) – Ninebark
Journal The rain tree—Samanea saman —and its yellow form
Native Tennessee Rain Garden Plants | UT Hort

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category