Smoke tree is a plant that is used for a variety of purposes. It can be used as an ornamental plant, as a source of wood for smoking meats, or as a source of medicine.
Related plant:
Winecraft Gold Smokebush
About soil condition, the best thing for a smoke tree is well-drained sandy soil, but it is adaptable to other types of soil as long as it is not waterlogged. The smoke tree does not tolerate shade well. One of its requirements is full sun. If the tree is grown in too much shade, it will be leggy and have fewer leaves.
Similar to other desert trees, the smoke tree (Dalea spinosa) needs full sun to grow. It's a heat-loving plant that's often used as an ornamental tree in landscape design. The smoke tree is known for its beautiful, bright purple flowers that bloom in spring and summer. It's a fast-growing tree that can reach up to 15 feet tall.
The temperature condition that is most ideal for the growth of the smoke tree is one that is warm. The tree does not do well in cold climates and will not survive if the temperature dips below freezing. The tree prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial sun.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40% - 50%. The plant cannot tolerate low humidity for long periods of time. If the humidity drops below 40%, the leaves will start to turn brown and crumble.
Regarding fertilizer, usually the plant does not need much. In the wild, the smoke tree is often found in rocky, nutrient-deficient soil. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually harm the plant. The roots are quite shallow, so the best way to fertilize is to top-dress with a good compost or organic matter.
Pruning your smoke tree is essential to its health and vigor. Be sure to prune it in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back any dead or diseased branches, and thin out any crossing or rubbing branches. You can also prune to shape the tree, or to reduce its size.
Propagation is best accomplished by taking semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early fall. The ideal cutting is 6-8 inches long and has several sets of leaves. Cut just below a leaf node and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in well-draining, sterile potting mix. Place the cutting in a bright spot but out of direct sunlight. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Within 4-6 weeks, you should see new growth. Once the new growth is several inches long, you can transplant your cutting to a larger pot or into the garden.
Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the specific species of tree. For example, the common smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria) grows at a moderate rate of 13 to 24 inches per year, while the desert smoke tree (Psorothamnus spinosus) grows much slower, at a rate of only 6 to 12 inches per year. However, in general, smoke trees are relatively fast-growing plants.
Common problems for this kind of plant are related to its aggressive and invasive roots. If the roots are not kept in check, they can cause problems with sewer lines, sidewalks, and patios. Smoke tree is also susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including scale, aphids, mites, and powdery mildew.
Source:
Smoke Tree | Oklahoma State University
Smoke between trees Macquarie University
'Non-Smoking' Doesn't Mean Smoke-Free - Drexel University
