White teak (Gmelina arborea)

Also known as: Malay bush beech, Snapdragon tree

White teak (Gmelina arborea) has several commercial applications due to its fast growth and versatile wood. Notably, its timber is prized for:

1. **Furniture Manufacturing**: The wood's attractive grain and smooth texture make it ideal for crafting both indoor and outdoor furniture.
2. **Construction Materials**: Used in making beams, window frames, doors, and other structural elements because of its durability and resistance to pests.
3. **Plywood and Veneers**: Often used in the production of plywood and decorative veneers, thanks to its workability.
4. **Musical Instruments**: Its good acoustic properties make it suitable for various musical instruments.
5. **Boat Building**: Its resistance to water and pests makes it a choice material for smaller boats.

Additionally, the leaves and fruits of Gmelina arborea serve as fodder and are used to feed silkworms. This tree's rapid growth and quick renewal make it an economically and ecologically valuable resource.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of White teak

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

25 m to 30 m

Spread

22 m

Leaf Color

Green Blue

Flower Size

3 cm to 4 cm

Flower Color

Yellow Brown Orange Gold

Images of White teak

Quickly Identify White teak

Identify Gmelina arborea by its smooth, pale gray bark that peels with age, large heart-shaped leaves, trumpet-shaped yellow flowers, and small round drupes that turn yellow when mature.

Scientific Classification of White teak

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

Family

Mint

Genus

Gmelina

Species

White teak

Planting and Growing of White teak

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

8-12 hours

Ideal Temperature

72-86℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

5.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water White teak?

Gmelina arborea thrives in conditions where its soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Ideally, you should aim to let the top inch of the soil dry out between waterings. Watering should coincide with ensuring that the soil is evenly moist, reaching a point where any excess water drains from the bottom of the pot without leaving the plant sitting in water.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered White teak? ›

What should I do if my White teak is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered White teak? ›

How to save an overwatered White teak? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for White teak?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Gmelina arborea flourishes under full sun to partial sun. Ideal light exposure ensures healthy photosynthesis, robust growth, and maximized wood output, reinforcing plant resilience and productivity.

How much sunlight is ideal for Gmelina arborea? ›

How can I ensure Gmelina arborea receives its ideal lighting conditions? ›

What are the benefits of providing ideal light for Gmelina arborea? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for White teak?

Ideal Temperature: 72 ~ 86℉

Maintaining an ideal temperature range from 72°F to 86°F is vital for Gmelina arborea, ensuring optimal growth and development. This range facilitates proper photosynthesis, nutrient absorption, and water uptake, contributing to overall plant health and resistance to diseases. Too much deviation from this range can lead to stunted growth or other stress symptoms.

What Soil is Best for White teak?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 5.5 ~ 7.5

Gmelina arborea thrives in well-drained soils that prevent waterlogging. Proper drainage ensures the roots receive sufficient oxygen, promoting healthy growth and reducing the risk of root rot. This plant prefers moderately fertile soils rich in organic matter. These nutrients support vigorous growth, enhance plant resilience, and improve the tree's overall health. While Gmelina arborea appreciates moisture, it does not tolerate standing water. Consistent moisture levels facilitate nutrient uptake and help maintain lush foliage.

How to Fertilize White teak?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Gmelina arborea, it's crucial to apply fertilizer in controlled amounts to avoid wastage and ensure efficient nutrient uptake. Use approximately 100 grams of balanced granular fertilizer per square meter for young plants, and 200 grams for mature trees. Divide this amount evenly during the growing season to provide consistent nourishment.

How to Prune White teak?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Begin pruning in the first year to establish a desirable shape. Trim away any cross branches, weak stems, and use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant. Structuring the tree will help in future maintenance. Inspect the tree regularly and remove any dead or diseased branches. This process increases air circulation and reduces the risk of pests and diseases, promoting a healthier environment for Gmelina arborea. Control the size by trimming back overly long branches. Focus on maintaining a balanced silhouette and ensure the center of the tree is open to light penetration, which supports overall vitality and productivity. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate White teak plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring, Summer

Collect mature seeds from the Gmelina arborea fruit. Clean the seeds by removing any pulp or debris. Soak them in water overnight to enhance germination.

Plant the seeds in the seed tray filled with a rich, well-draining potting mix. Plant them at a depth twice the seed's diameter and lightly cover with soil.

Use a sharp knife to obtain 6-8 inch cuttings from healthy, disease-free branches. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a mixture of sand and peat moss.

How to Repot White teak plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Gmelina arborea should be repotted when you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes, the growth rate has decreased significantly, or the current pot's soil dries out too quickly. These are indicators that the plant has outgrown its current container and requires more space to thrive.

Selecting an appropriate pot for Gmelina arborea involves ensuring it has sufficient drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, and it should be 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the previous one. A slightly larger pot allows room for root expansion without overwhelming the plant, promoting healthy growth.

Opt for well-draining sandy loam, which retains necessary moisture while allowing excess water to escape. This soil type supports root oxygenation and minimizes the risk of root rot, ensuring that your Gmelina arborea remains healthy and vibrant.