Rain Tree Irrigation

Irrigation

• Younger rain trees require regular irrigation until the trees are well established. Mature trees growing in open areas get enough irrigation from rainfall for optimal growth. When trees are planted close to sidewalks and pavements, water trees in additional to rainwater. The tree tolerates short periods of waterlogged, wet ground.

Drought Tolerance

• Rain tree is moderately drought tolerant. In its native habitat, the tree grows well both in the equatorial, ever-wet regions as well as the monsoon or seasonally dry areas. The wide growing roots are able to seek out subsurface water that makes tree tolerant of irregular irrigation. The tree has a good tolerance for two to four months of drought but does not thrive under extended drought weather.

Soil

• The tree grows best in well-draining soils although it also tolerates poorly draining soil for short periods. The preferred pH level is between slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 7.4. However, the tree also grows moderately well under pH of 8.5 or 4.7 and in a variety of soil types including poorly fertile, shallow ground.

Light Requirement

• Rain tree grows best in areas of full sun and is intolerant of temperatures below 46 degrees Fahrenheit or frost. The tree rarely grows in dense stands given its high demand for light. Keep younger seedlings in partial light for about two to four weeks and then move to full sun areas for healthy growth. Established trees are maintenance free. Rain tree is long lived with an average life of 80 to 100 years.