Terminalia Catappa Questions

First I hope someone sees this even they can't answer, it appears that no one has posted in the tropics section since Dec of last year.

I have grow my share of weeds from outside, even had a garden at one point but now I have a something that I really want to grow, an*Tropical (Indian) Almond Tree.

Here are some of the things that I know already <-- questions later :D


1. they grow in sandy loams
2. they can be grown indoors but need lots of light (6 hours min of direct sunlight)
3. each tree will have both male and female flowers
4. they grow pretty fast and can reach heights of 80-90ft (not indoors of course)

Now here are some of my questions :?

[glow=yellow]1.[/glow] What is the best store bought potting mixes to use for a sandy loam soil requirment?
[glow=yellow]2.[/glow] Will the tree need to be pollenated in order to produce fruit/nuts?
[glow=yellow]3.[/glow] How often will this tree shed it's leaves?
[glow=yellow]4.[/glow] What is the best fertilizer to use after the first year of growth, knowing that the first year will require more Phosphorus than the Nitrogen or Potassium?
[glow=yellow]5.[/glow] Will keeping the plant growing indoors make the leaves stay smaller since the tree will be smaller, or will the leaves still grow as big as they would on a normal outdoors tree.
[glow=yellow]6.[/glow] Although the information I read said that they can't take temps below 40°F, could they handle one night like that before they are brought back in?
[glow=yellow]7.[/glow] How sensitive are they to the conditions of being grown indoors, do they require special attention or are they fairly simple to take care of?

Any information would be a great help, [shadow=orange]especially with the type of soil [/shadow]that I will need to grow them in indoors.

[Newt]

Hi Native Collector,

I get notification when there is a new post or an answer to a post so I'll try and help you.

"1. What is the best store bought potting mixes to use for a sandy loam soil requirment?"

I would suggest you use a good potting soil that does not contain synthetic fertilizers.* If you need to add perlite for drainage you can purchase that separetely if you can't find a good quality potting soil.* For the sand, have about 1/4 of mix a cactus potting mix or any sandy potting mix you can find.

"2. Will the tree need to be pollenated in order to produce fruit/nuts?"

Most likely since there are separate male and female flowers.* You need to research if they are wind pollinated or have a specific pollinator.* The only reference I found was to fruit bats eating the fruit, but no mention of pollination at that site.

"3. How often will this tree shed it's leaves?"

I've read that it sheds it's leaves twice a year during the dry season but may not do that indoors unless you mimic the conditions of drought.


"4. What is the best fertilizer to use after the first year of growth, knowing that the first year will require more Phosphorus than the Nitrogen or Potassium?"

Not sure where you got that info, but I prefer an organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion or fish emulsion mixed with sea weed.* If you found that info somewhere you will need to find a website that specializes in fertilizers, preferabley organic ones such as this site.
http://www.espoma.com/

*"5. Will keeping the plant growing indoors make the leaves stay smaller since the tree will be smaller, or will the leaves still grow as big as they would on a normal outdoors tree."

Probably as it will tend to get rootbound and that will cause the leaves to be smaller.* Otherwise the leaves should stay the normal size or near normal size.

"6. Although the information I read said that they can't take temps below 40°F, could they handle one night like that before they are brought back in?"

It's a risk you take.* The younger the tree and the smaller the pot, the more the risk.* You should start bringing it indoors before you turn the heat on in the house and before the night temps reach that low.* It's best to start early.* Here's how to bring plants indoors and move them outdoors as well.
http://www.plant-care.com/outside-plants-inside.html

"7. How sensitive are they to the conditions of being grown indoors, do they require special attention or are they fairly simple to take care of?"

You should find the last comment here helpful.
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/55335/index.html

You might also find this helpful.
http://www.answers.com/topic/indian-almond
http://www.naturia.per.sg/buloh/plants/sea_almond.htm
http://toptropicals.com/cgi-bin/gard...inalia_catappa

Hope that was a bit helpful.
Newt

[align=left]Thanks that does help some, I am open to all information right now.[/align]
[align=left]As far as the need for more phosporus during the first year is beacuse the roots need to really get a good grip and grow strong. These trees have roots that normally spider acrossed the top of the ground. So when starting them to grow indoors in a container they will need some of the roots to get good and stonge fast. I can't remember where I read that at right off but I can find it again eventually. I have a couple of sites saved with info on these trees but that is one that I lost somewhere.[/align]

[Newt]

You are very welcome!* Good luck with your tree.

Newt

[backyardgardener]

Per my website: http://www.backyardgardener.com/plantname/pda_47d9.html

Terminalia catappa
( Indian Almond )
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Large deciduous tree with horizontal whorls of branches. Foliage is oval, shiny, borne in rosette-like clusters, and dark green before turning red and falling. Flowers are white and insignificant, but blooms are followed by red, yellow, or green fruit. [/align]
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Important Info : Grow in greenhouse where not hardy.[/align]
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How to Grow this Plant:

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[align=left]Characteristics[/align]
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Cultivar:
n/a *

Family:
Combretaceae *

Size:
Height: 70 ft. to 120 ft.
Width: 50 ft. to 70 ft. *

Plant Category:
trees, *

Plant Characteristics:
decorative berries or fruit, spreading, *

Foliage Characteristics:
deciduous, *

Foliage Color:
green, *

Flower Characteristics:
*

Flower Color:
whites, *

Tolerances:
wind, *[/align]
[align=left]Requirements[/align]
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Bloomtime Range:
not applicable *

USDA Hardiness Zone:
10 to 11 *

AHS Heat Zone:
Not defined for this plant *

Light Range:
Full Sun to Full Sun *

pH Range:
5.5 to 6.5 *

Soil Range:
Some Sand to Sandy Loam *

Water Range:
Normal to Normal *[/align]
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Plant Care[/align]
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[align=left]Fertilizing[/align]
[align=left]How-tos : Fertilization for Young Plants

Young plants need extra phosphorus to encourage good root development. Look for a fertilizer that has phosphorus, P, in it(the second number on the bag.) Apply recommended amount for plant per label directions in the soil at time of planting or at least during the first growing season.

How-tos : Fertilization for Established Plants

Established plants can benefit from fertilization. Take a visual inventory of your landscape. Trees need to be fertilized every few years. Shrubs and other plants in the landscape can be fertilized yearly. A soil test can determine existing nutrient levels in the soil. If one or more nutrients is low, a specific instead of an all-purpose fertilizer may be required. Fertilizers that are high in N, nitrogen, will promote green leafy growth. Excess nitrogen in the soil can cause excessive vegetative growth on plants at the expense of flower bud development. It is best to avoid fertilizing late in the growing season. Applications made at that time can force lush, vegetative growth that will not have a chance to harden off before the onset of cold weather.

How-tos : Fertilize Monthly

Now is the time to begin fertilizing with a water-soluble fertilizer. Continue through the end of summer.

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[align=left]Light[/align]
[align=left]Conditions : Light Conditions

Unless a site is completely exposed, light conditions will change during the day and even during the year. The northern and eastern sides of a house receive the least amount of light, with the northern exsposure being the shadiest. The western and southern sides of a house receive the most light and are conidered the hottest exposures due to intense afternoon sun. [/align]
You will notice that sun and shade patterns change during the day. The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property. If you have just bought a new home or just beginning to garden in your older home, take time to map sun and shade throughout the day. You will get a more accurate feel for your site's true light conditions.

Conditions : Types of Pruning

Types of pruning include: pinching, thinning, shearing and rejuvenating.

Pinching is removing the stem tips of a young plant to promote branching. Doing this avoids the need for more severe pruning later on.
Thinning involves removing whole branches back to the trunk. This may be done to open up the interior of a plant to let more light in and to increase air circulation that can cut down on plant disease. The best way to begin thinning is to begin by removing dead or diseased wood.
Shearing is leveling the surface of a shrub using hand or electric shears. This is done to maintain the desired shape of a hedge or topiary.
Rejuvenating is removal of old branches or the overall reduction of the size of a shrub to restore its original form and size. It is recommended that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a time. Remember to remove branches from the inside of the plant as well as the outside. When rejuvenating plants with canes, such as nandina, cut back canes at various heights so that plant will have a more natural look.

Conditions : Light and Plant Selection

For best plant performance, it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light conditions. Right plant, right place! Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color, have fewer leaves and a "leggy" stretched-out appearance. Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable. It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamps. Plants can also receive too much light. If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun, it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged.

Conditions : Full Sun

Full Sun is defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of continuous, direct sun per day.



[align=left]Watering[/align]
[align=left]Problems : Waterlogged Soil and Solutions

Waterlogged soil occurs when more water is added to soil than can drain out in a reasonable amount of time. This can be a severe problem where water tables are high or soils are compacted. Lack of air space in waterlogged soil makes it almost impossible for soil to drain. Few plants, except for bog plants, can tolerate these conditions. Drainage must be improved if you are not satisfied with bog gardening. Over-watered plants have the same wilted leaves as under-watered plants. Fungi such as Phytophthora and Pythium affect vascular systems, which cause wilt. [/align]
If the problem is only on the surface, it maybe diverted to a drainage ditch. If drainage is poor where water table is high, install an underground drainage system. You should contact a contractor for this. If underground drains already exist, check to see if they are blocked.
French drains are another option. French drains are ditches that have been filled with gravel. It is okay to plant sod on top of them. More obtrusive, but a good solution where looks aren't as important, think of the French drain as a ditch filled with gravel. Ditches should be 3 to 4 feet deep and have sloping sides.
A soakway is a gravel filled pit where water is diverted to via underground pipes. This works well on sites that have compacted soil. Your soakway should be about 6'wide and deep and filled with gravel or crushed stone, topped with sand and sodded or seeded.
Keep in mind that it is illegal to divert water onto other people's property. If you do not feel that you can implement a workable solution on your own, call a contractor.

Tools : Watering Aides

No gardener depends 100% on natural rainfall. Even the most water conscious garden appreciates the proper hose, watering can or wand.

• [align=left]Watering Cans: Whether you choose plastic of galvanized makes no difference, but do look for generous capacity and a design that is balanced when filled with water. A 2 gallon can (which holds 18 lbs. of water) is preferred by most gardeners and is best suited for outdoor use. Indoor cans should be relatively smaller with narrower spouts and roses (the filter head).[/align]

• [align=left]Watering Hose: When purchasing a hose, look for one that is double-walled, as it will resist kinking. Quick coupler links are nice to have on ends of hoses to make altering length fast. To extend the life of your hose, keep it wound around a reel and stored in a shady area. Prior to winter freezes, drain hose.[/align]

• [align=left]Sprayers: Are commonly thought of as devices for applying chemicals, but can really be a step saver for watering houseplants or small pots of annuals rather that dragging out a hose or making numerous trips with a watering can. The backpack sprayer is best suited for this. Take care not to use any kind of chemical in tanks used for watering![/align]

• [align=left]Sprinklers: Attached to the ends of garden hoses, these act as an economical irrigation system. Standing Spike Sprinklers are usually intended for lawns and deliver water in a circular pattern. Rotating Sprinklers deliver a circle of water and are perfect for lawns, shrubs and flower beds. Pulse-jet sprinklers cover large areas of ground in a pulsating, circular pattern. The head usually sits up on a tall stem, except for when watering lawns. Oscillating sprinklers are best for watering at ground level in a rectangular pattern.[/align]

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Conditions : Normal

Normal is defined as regular watering to a depth of 18 inches, but periodically dries out in the top 7 inches between waterings.

Conditions : Regular Moisture for Outdoor Plants

Water when normal rainfall does not provide the preferred 1 inch of moisture most plants prefer. Average water is needed during the growing season, but take care not to overwater. The first two years after a plant is installed, regular watering is important. The first year is critical. It is better to water once a week and water deeply, than to water frequently for a few minutes.

Conditions : Outdoor Watering

Plants are almost completely made up of water so it is important to supply them with adequate water to maintain good plant health. Not enough water and roots will wither and the plant will wilt and die. Too much water applied too frequently deprives roots of oxygen leading to plant diseases such as root and stem rots. The type of plant, plant age, light level, soil type and container size all will impact when a plant needs to be watered. Follow these tips to ensure successful watering: [/align]
* The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently. When watering, water well, i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball. With in-ground plants, this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches (1' being better). With container grown plants, apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes.
* Try to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve water and cut down on plant stress. Do water early enough so that water has had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall. This is paramount if you have had fungus problems.
* Don't wait to water until plants wilt. Although some plants will recover from this, all plants will die if they wilt too much (when they reach the permanent wilting point).
* Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation, mulching, and xeriscaping. Drip systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center. Mulches can significantly cool the root zone and conserve moisture.
* Consider adding water-saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant. These can make a world of difference especially under stressful conditions. Be certain to follow label directions for their use.


Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor Plants

Normal watering means that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly, as conditions require. Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season, but take care not to over water. The first two years after a plant is installed, regular watering is important for establishment. The first year is critical. It is better to water once a week and water deeply, than to water frequently for a few minutes.

How-tos : Reduce Watering

This plant requires less watering during winter months, so reduce watering from late November through early March.



[align=left]Planting[/align]
[align=left]How-tos : Pruning Trees After Planting

It is critical to prune trees correctly from the beginning to assure proper growth and development. Young trees can be transplanted in a number of forms: bare root, balled & burlap and in containers. The more stress the plant undergoes in the transplant process, the more pruning that is required to compensate. [/align]
Deciduous trees like maples (those that loose their leaves in the fall) can be dug up and sold with their bare roots exposed. Because most of the root system is lost in digging, sufficient top growth should be removed to compensate for this loss. This may be done at the nursery before you buy the plant or you may have to prune at the time of planting. Select and head back the best scaffold branches, i.e. those branches which will form the main lateral structure of the future mature tree. Remove all other extraneous side branches. If the tree seedling does not have branches, allow it to grow to the desired height of branching then pinch it back to stimulate the lower buds to form branches.
Ball and burlap trees are dug up with their root systems somewhat intact. This was mostly done for conifers and broadleaf evergreens, but has become common for deciduous trees as well. Since some root mass is lost in the digging stage, a light pruning is generally called for. Head back the plant to compensate for this loss and to promote branching.
Trees that are grown in containers generally do not loose roots in the transplanting phase. Therefore you do not generally have to prune them unless there is some root injury or limb damage in the planting process.
Once you have your trees planted, be patient. Do not remove shoots from the trunk early on as these allow the tree to grow more rapidly and also shade the tender young trunk from sun-scald. Wait a few years to begin training the tree to its ultimate form.

How-tos : Staking Trees

Staking is done differently depending on the size and flexibility of the tree, and the windiness of the planting site. Generally only trees that are planted in windy, exposed locations need to be staked. For most trees, a low stake is preferred, to let the tree move naturally. For windy areas or flexible trees, use a high stake. For trees more than 12 feet tall, use two low stakes on opposite sides of the tree or several guy ropes. The ties used need to accommodate growth and not cause bark damage with friction. Buckle-and-spacer ties can be found at garden centers, they are expandable and have a protective spacer. Ties without spacers should be formed into a figure eight to create padding. Latest studies have shown that when staking a tree, provide enough leeway so that the tree can move back and forth in the wind. Stronger roots will develop this way. If the tree can not move back and forth, these important roots will not develop and the tree might fall over during a storm, once stakes are removed. When planting a tree, stake at the time of planting if staking is a necessity.

How-tos : Planting a Tree

Dig out an area for the tree that is about 3 or 4 times the diameter of the container or rootball and the same depth as the container or rootball. Use a pitchfork or shovel to scarify the sides of the hole.

If container-grown, lay the tree on its side and remove the container. Loosen the roots around the edges without breaking up the root ball too much. Position tree in center of hole so that the best side faces forward. You are ready to begin filling in with soil.
If planting a balled and burlaped tree, position it in hole so that the best side faces forward. Untie or remove nails from burlap at top of ball and pull burlap back, so it does not stick out of hole when soil is replaced. Synthetic burlap should be removed as it will not decompose like natural burlap. Larger trees often come in wire baskets. Plant as you would a b&b plant, but cut as much of the wire away as possible without actually removing the basket. Chances are, you would do more damage to the rootball by removing the basket. Simply cut away wires to leave several large openings for roots.
Fill both holes with soil the same way. Never amend with less than half original soil. Recent studies show that if your soil is loose enough, you are better off adding little or no soil amendments.
Create a water ring around the outer edge of the hole. Not only will this conseve water, but will direct moisture to perimeter roots, encouraging outer growth. Once tree is established, water ring may be leveled. Studies show that mulched trees grow faster than those unmulched, so add a 3"" layer of pinestraw, compost, or pulverized bark over backfilled area. Remove any damaged limbs.



[align=left]Problems[/align]
[align=left]Fungi : Leaf Spots

Leaf spots are caused by fungi or bacteria. Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular, with a water soaked or yellow-edged appearance. Insects, rain, dirty garden tools, or even people can help its spread. [/align]
Prevention and Control: Remove infected leaves when the plant is dry. Leaves that collect around the base of the plant should be raked up and disposed of. Avoid overhead irrigation if possible; water should be directed at soil level. For fungal leaf spots, use a recommended fungicide according to label directions.
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[align=left]Miscellaneous[/align]
[align=left]Conditions : Wind Tolerant

Plants that are wind tolerant usually have flexible, strong branches that are not brittle. Wind tolerant plants often have thick or waxy leaves that control moisture loss from whipping winds. Native plants are often the best adapted to not only wind, but also soil and other climatic conditions.

Glossary : Some Sand

Some Sand refers to a soil that drains fast, but has lower water holding capacity due to the presence of a little organic matter. A good workable soil that needs added fertilizer due to lower fertility levels and adequate water. Usually gray in color. Forms a loose, crumbly ball that easily falls apart when squeezed in the hand.

Glossary : Sandy Loam

Sandy Loam refers to a soil that drains well, with excellent air space, and evenly crumbled texture when squeezed in the hand. A good workable garden soil that benefits from added fertilizer and proper watering. Dark gray to gray-brown in color.

Glossary : Deciduous

Deciduous refers to those plants that lose their leaves or needles at the end of the growing season.

Glossary : Tree

Tree: a woody perennial with a crown of branches that begin atop a single stem or trunk. The exception to this rule is multi-trunk trees, which some may argue are really very large shrubs.

Glossary : pH

pH, means the potential of Hydrogen, is the measure of alkalinity or acidity. In horticulture, pH refers to the pH of soil. The scale measures from 0, most acid, to 14, most alkaline. Seven is neutral. Most plants prefer a range between 5.5 and about 6.7, an acid range, but there are plenty of other plants that like soil more alkaline, or above 7. A pH of 7 is where the plant can most easily absorb the most nutrients in the soil. Some plants prefer more or less of certain nutrients, and therefore do better at a certain pH.

Glossary : Soil Types

A soil type is defined by granule size, drainage, and amount of organic material in the soil. The three main soil types are sand, loam and clay. Sand has the largest particle size, no organic matter, little to no fertility, and drains rapidly. Clay, at the opposite end of the spectrum, has the smallest particle size, can be rich in organic matter, fertility and moisture, but is often unworkable because particles are held together too tightly, resulting in poor drainage when wet, or is brick-like when dry. The optimum soil type is loam, which is the happy median between sand and clay: It is high in organic matter, nutrient-rich, and has the perfect water holding capacity. [/align]
You will often hear loam referred to as a sandy loam (having more sand, yet still plenty of organic matter) or a clay loam (heavier on the clay, yet workable with good drainage.) The addition of organic matter to either sand or clay will result in a loamy soil. Still not sure if your soil is a sand, clay, or loam? Try this simple test. Squeeze a handfull of slightly moist, not wet, soil in your hand. If it forms a tight ball and does not fall apart when gently tapped with a finger, your soil is more than likely clay. If soil does not form a ball or crumbles before it is tapped, it is sand to very sandy loam. If soil forms a ball, then crumbles readily when lightly tapped, it's a loam. Several quick, light taps could mean a clay loam.

Glossary : Wind Break

A wind break is any group of plants used to break up or deflect the wind. Large scale windbreaks are usually planted as a single or double row and may be used not only to protect buildings, but crops as well. The exact placement of the windbreak depends on its height and the velocity of the wind.

Wind break plants are usually planted close together. Combination plantings seem to work well too: taller plants should be in the middle, shorter on the outsides.

Glossary : Pruning

Now is the preferred time to prune this plant.

Thats where I read the part about needing more phosphorus when young. I knew I had read it somewhere. Oh and that is how I found this site too, I remember that now. :D

does anyone think that is would be a bad idea to try and grow them indoors. I will have a window that the sun will shine in almost all day long even during the winter. So the full sun part should not be an issue. I am thinking that the only thing that might oppose a problem is if the tree will need humid conditions during the winter time wen it will have to come indoors. During the summer it should be fine with the amount of humidity that NC gets.