Acacia

Water your houseplant Acacia when the top inch of soil begins to feel dry to the touch. Water thoroughly until the water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, and then discard any excess from the drainage tray beneath the pot. Allow the soil to dry between thorough waterings to avoid waterlogging the plant.

Many species of Acacia prefer bright indirect light. In temperate climates, they can handle full sun outdoors or bright light indoors, filtered through a sheer curtain to prevent direct sunlight. Direct sunlight is too intense for some plants of this species, and will eventually cause scorched foliage. In tropical climates, they should be kept in partial shade. Direct sun can cause leaf burns, leaf yellowing, and wilting on varieties that don't tolerate it.

Acacia is moderately tolerant of temperatures between 60 and 80°F (15-27°C), with the ideal temperature being around 70°F (21°C). It's important to try to keep the temperature consistent—avoid sudden fluctuations that could cause the foliage to drop off. When the temperature falls below 60°F (15°C), the plant may become dormant or begin to suffer from chill damage.

For optimum health, Acacia must be kept in an environment with the proper level of humidity. In general, optimal levels of humidity should stay between 40-60%. Too much humidity can encourage certain fungal diseases, while dry air can cause leaf edges to dry out and go brown. Use a humidity tray or humidifier to maintain the levels of humidity your Acacia needs to thrive.

For optimal success, it's important to choose the right soil for your Acacia. The best soil mix for your houseplant should be light, well-draining, and should contain compost, vermiculite, and coarse sand to allow the soil to both retain moisture and drain well. Avoid heavy soils with poor drainage, as they can cause root rot.

You should fertilize your houseplant Acacia once a month with a balanced fertilizer. Use one designed for house plants, such as Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food. You may also use a fertilizer specially formulated for Acacia. Avoid applying too much fertilizer, as this can result in an increase in soft, succulent growth, which is more susceptible to pest infestations.

Houseplants can be especially susceptible to a variety of pests. Common pests that affect Acacia include mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and scale. Mealybugs are small, white, soft-bodied insects found in clusters on undersides of leaves and along the stem. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects often found in clusters on new growth, leaves, and stems. Spider mites are tiny, hard-bodied, eight-legged red or green insects. Scale are tiny, hard-bodied, oval-shaped insects that can range in color from brownish red to yellow. To remove any of the common pests from your Acacia, it's recommended to use an insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil spray.

Generally, it's a good idea to repot your Acacia every two to three years to help stimulate growth. Repotting is done in either spring or early summer after the plant has finished its blooming period. The new pot should have drainage holes and potting mix for indoor plants. Be sure to water the plant thoroughly after repotting.

Prune your Acacia to keep a compact shape and remove damaged, dead, or unhealthy foliage in the spring or early summer. Pruning is typically done by cutting back the main branches just above a healthy leaf or flowers. To keep plants neat and tidy, you can shear the tips of the branches to reduce the plant’s overall size.

Mulching your Acacia can help improve drainage and reduce water evaporation in the soil. Most Acacia species prefer organic mulch to inorganic ones like stone and gravel. Good organic mulches include compost or other well-rotted manure, pine needles, straw, and shredded bark. Spread a thick layer of your chosen mulch over the planting area and water it down to help it absorb moisture and keep the soil cool.

Propagating Acacia is fairly easy and can be done from both cuttings and seeds. To propagate from seeds, place the seeds in a pot with a well-draining soil mixture and keep it in a warm, bright spot until fully germinated and the first two leaves appear. To propagate from cuttings, take a 6-8 inch stem and remove leaves from the lower half. Dip in rooting hormone and place the stem in a pot with a damp, well-draining soil mix. Place in a warm, bright area until new growth appears.

For tall-growing species of Acacia, you may want to provide extra support to prevent the heavy foliage from breaking the plant's stems. If you have a large Acacia, use a trellis or bamboo stake to add extra support. Insert the stake or trellis into the pot so it doesn't rock, and then attach one end to the stake and the other to the plant's trunk.

Acacia doesn't require a dormancy period; however, when its growth rate slows, it can benefit from a natural rest period. In temperate climates, provide cooler temperatures and fewer waterings in the fall and winter. In tropical climates, reduce waterings, place the plant in a cooler spot, and keep away from any cold drafts or air conditioning.

No, Acacia is not toxic to pets. However, it is important to note that all parts of this plant are highly flammable; keep your houseplant away from any open flames or heat sources to avoid igniting the branches and leaves.