Fabaceae
Golden shower tree: Full Sun Plant
Cassia fistula
A tropical tree that is easy to care for once established. It requires full sun, well-drained soil, and heat. It is drought-tolerant but appreciates regular watering during the dry season. Frost-sensitive: protect it if temperatures drop below 10 °C.
Every 10 days
Direct sun
10° - 40°C
40% - 70%
Categories
What is Golden shower tree?
Golden shower tree (Cassia fistula) is a easy-care plant from the Fabaceae family. The golden shower tree (Cassia fistula) is a deciduous tree in the Fabaceae family, native to South Asia. It reaches 10 to 15 m in height and is famous for its spectacular hanging clusters of golden-yellow flowers that appear in spring and summer. After flowering, it produces long, dark brown cylind...
Golden shower tree grows up to 15.0m, spread of 1200cm, watering every 10 days, 10°C â 40°C, 40â70% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Golden shower tree tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Golden shower tree?
TLDR: Golden shower tree needs Direct sun, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between 10-40°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Golden shower tree?
Water moderately, allowing the substrate to dry out well between waterings. Although drought-tolerant, regular watering during dry periods encourages blooming. Avoid waterlogging, which causes root rot.
How Much Light Does Golden shower tree Need?
It needs full sun, six to eight hours of direct light daily, to grow vigorously and bloom abundantly. It does not thrive indoors or in the shade.
What Is the Best Soil for Golden shower tree?
Prefers fertile, well-drained soils. If the soil is clayey or sandy, amend it with organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. It tolerates a wide pH range (5.5 to 8.0).
What Pot Should You Use for Golden shower tree?
As it is a large tree, it is recommended to plant it in the ground outdoors. It is only viable in a pot when young, using a large, deep container with good drainage.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
What Is Golden shower tree and Where Does It Come From?
The golden shower tree (Cassia fistula) is a deciduous tree in the Fabaceae family, native to South Asia. It reaches 10 to 15 m in height and is famous for its spectacular hanging clusters of golden-yellow flowers that appear in spring and summer. After flowering, it produces long, dark brown cylindrical pods. It is the national tree of Thailand and one of the most prized tropical ornamental species in the world.
How to Propagate Golden shower tree?
Seed
The seed has a hard coat; scarification greatly improves germination.
- 1 Scarify the seed by sanding the coat or soaking it in hot water for 24 hours.
- 2 Sow 1-2 cm deep in well-drained substrate.
- 3 Keep the substrate moist and warm (25-30 °C).
- 4 Transplant when seedlings have several true leaves.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Golden shower tree Grow?
TLDR: Golden shower tree can reach up to 15.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
15.0m
Spread
12.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Pod pulp traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a mild laxative
- Traditional use for skin conditions and as a febrifuge
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Golden shower tree?
TLDR: Golden shower tree is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, soft-bodied, winged insects closely related to aphids and mealybugs. They are moth-like in appearance, about 1/16 inch long, triangular in shape, and gray-white in color. These sap-sucking pests feed on plant tissue, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and wilting. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth. Whiteflies can transmit serious plant viruses.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Meaning & Symbolism
National flower and tree of Thailand, where its golden color symbolizes royalty. In Kerala (India), it plays a central role in the Vishu festival as an omen of prosperity.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | â |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | â |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | â |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | â |
