Acacia Senegal
A common houseplant, Acacia Senegal (Senegalia senegal) is a small evergreen shrub or tree native to tropical parts of east and southeast Africa, ranging from Senegal through Sudan and Kenya. It has a sprawling habit, with multiple branches and a height of about 1-4 meters. Its stems and leaflets are covered in a thick, crisp, yellow-reddish bark. The leaves are oblong, 5-15 cm long and 2-5 cm wide, having five to nine pairs of small leaflets. Its golden-yellow flowers, 2 cm wide, have a sweet scent and bloom in the late winter and early spring, developing into narrow, flat brown seed pods.
During the growing season, you should water Acacia Senegal regularly. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Allow the top 4-5 inches of the soil to dry out before watering again. During the winter, reduce the amount of water to prevent waterlogging. Do not let the plant sit in water for too long. Over-watering will cause root rot and other ailments.
Acacia Senegal does best in bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight on the plant, as it will cause the leaves to scorch. If the plant is not getting enough light, the leaves will become paler and may turn brown at the edges. It is recommended to place Acacia Senegal near a window facing east or west. During the winter, the plant needs a few hours of direct sunlight each day.
Acacia Senegal prefers temperatures between 65-85 F (18-29 C). It can survive temperatures as low as 50 F (10 C). Ensure good ventilation, as temperatures exceeding 86 F (30 C) can cause leaf damage and other problems.
Acacia Senegal prefers high humidity levels, between 40-60%. If the humidity is too low (below 40%), the leaves may become dry or develop yellow spots. To increase the humidity levels, mist them regularly or use a humidifier.
Acacia Senegal thrives in a light, well-draining potting mix. Use a soil that is light and well-aerated, as the plant likes good air circulation around its roots. A mix of equal parts of soil, compost, and perlite will be ideal.
Acacia Senegal should be fertilized once a month during the growing season, from mid-spring to mid-summer. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. During the winter, when the temperature is lower and the plant is not actively growing, there is no need to fertilize.
Acacia Senegal is susceptible to various pests, such as spider mites, scale, and mealybugs. Spider mites are small, eight-legged arachnids that feed on plant sap. Scale are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can cause significant harm to the plant. Mealybugs are wingless insects covered in a white waxy coating. To get rid of these pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Acacia Senegal needs to be repotted every few years when it has grown bigger than its pot. Repotting can be done in the early spring or late summer. Use a well-draining soil and a container with plenty of drainage holes. It is preferably to just move the plant to a slightly larger container than to break apart the root ball and cut it back.
Pruning is necessary for Acacia Senegal to keep it in good shape. You can prune it in the early spring to maintain its size and shape, and also to remove dead or broken branches. Pruning helps to stimulate new growth.
Mulching is beneficial to Acacia Senegal as it helps to retain soil moisture and minimize weeds. Use a material such as wood chips, straw, or grass clippings as mulch material.
Acacia Senegal can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. You can collect the seeds in the late summer and store them in a dry and dark place. Plant the seeds in seed trays. Cuttings can be taken in spring, and planted directly into pots with a moist and well-draining soil. Place the cutting in indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist.
The branches of Acacia Senegal can become heavy with the plant’s growth. To prevent its branches from breaking, you can use a plant support, such as a bamboo stake.
Acacia Senegal has a dormant period in the winter, when it should be watered less and should not need much maintenance. During this period, it does not put out much growth, so it will need less water, fertilizer, and sunlight.
Acacia Senegal is not toxic to cats, dogs, and other household pets.