While Asian and American tulip trees are generally pretty hardy, their cousin, the African Tulip Tree, is a total warm-weather fan. It absolutely can’t stand the cold or frost, which means for those of us in cooler climates, growing it outdoors year-round is a no-go.
The Perfect Setup for Your African Tulip Tree
If you want this stunning tree to thrive and show off those gorgeous, long-lasting blooms, you’ve got to give it these four things:
- Plenty of sunshine
- Lots of warmth
- High humidity
- Consistently moist soil (but definitely not soggy!)
Even our warmest summer days sometimes aren’t enough for this tropical beauty. Once nighttime temperatures dip below 60°F (15°C), things start getting dicey. Your best bet is to keep it in a climate-controlled greenhouse or a sunroom.
Winter Care for the African Tulip Tree
During the winter, your tree still needs a bright, relatively warm spot. You can let the temperature drop slightly to about 60°F (15°C), but don’t let it get any colder than that. This is when the tree goes into its “winter rest” phase, usually from November through March. During this time, skip the fertilizer and cut back on the water. However, if you’re keeping it in a heated living room, it might dry out faster, so always do a quick finger test on the soil before watering.
Don’t panic if you see a few leaves falling off during the winter—that’s totally normal! As soon as spring rolls around and you start fertilizing again, it’ll bounce right back with fresh new growth.
Does it Need a Special Winter Home?
The African Tulip Tree can stay in its usual spot as long as it’s cozy. A heated sunroom or a climate-controlled greenhouse is perfect, but a warm living room works too. The keys to success are brightness, warmth, and high humidity. (Pro tip: An automatic humidifier is a lifesaver here!) The only real change in winter is that you can let the room temperature stay on the cooler side of its comfort zone.
One thing to keep in mind: these trees can get pretty massive over the years. Make sure you have enough ceiling height for it to grow! If you’re short on space but love the look, you might want to try growing an African Tulip Tree as a bonsai. These little guys have the exact same winter requirements as their big brothers, just in a much smaller package.
