How to Grow Cassia Javanica

Cassia Javanica, or the Pink Shower Tree, is famous for its stunning flowers and adaptability. Here’s how to grow it easily!

Commonly known as the Pink Shower Tree or Apple Blossom Tree, Cassia Javanica is a medium to large-sized flowering tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. What makes it stand out are its beautiful flowers! Let’s have a look at it in detail.

Cassia Javanica Information

Cassia javanica, commonly known as the Java Cassia, Pink Shower, Apple Blossom Tree, or Rainbow Shower Tree, is a species of tree in the Fabaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, but can also be found in various other tropical regions due to its ornamental value.

Cassia Javanica is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20-30 meters in height. It has a rounded crown with beautiful, pinnately compound leaves that are green and glossy. The flowers are its most striking feature – they bloom in clusters and have a color range from pink to red, with a yellow center.

The tree usually blooms during the late spring and early summer, typically from May to July. When in full bloom, the tree provides a truly spectacular sight.

How to Grow Cassia Javanica?

Growing Cassia Javanica from seeds can be a rewarding experience. By following these steps and providing proper care, you can successfully grow them from seeds and enjoy the beauty of their blossoms in your garden or landscape.

Collect fresh Cassia Javanica seeds from mature pods. Look for fully developed brown pods on the tree. Take the seeds by breaking open the pods and extracting them.
Place the pots or seed trays in a warm location with indirect sunlight. Maintain a temperature of around 25-30°C to promote germination.
Cassia Javanica seeds typically germinate within 2-4 weeks, but it can take longer, so be patient.
Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or a prepared garden bed.

Check Out How to Grow Cuphea Hyssopifolia here!

Requirements to Grow Cassia Javanica

Sunlight

Cassia Javanica thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. It prefers a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Do not grow it in a shaded location, as it will result in little to no flowers.

Soil

This tree prefers well-draining soil that is fertile and rich in organic matter. A loamy soil mix with good drainage is ideal for Cassia javanica. Adding compost or sand can help improve drainage if the soil is heavy and clayey.

Water

Water Cassia Javanica regularly, especially during the growing season, to moisten the soil. Water deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the root zone. However, avoid overwatering or waterlogging, which can lead to root rot or other fungal diseases.

Temperature

Cassia Javanica thrives in warm tropical or subtropical climates. Pink Shower Tree prefers temperatures between 20-30°C. In colder regions, it can be grown as a container plant, brought indoors during winter, or treated as an annual.

Cassia Javanica Care

Fertilizer

Fertilize Cassia Javanica regularly to promote healthy growth and flowering. Use a balanced, slow-release, or granular fertilizer with a ratio of NPK of 10-10-10 or similar, once in 2-3 months. This will be more than enough to promote plenty of flowers!

Pruning

Pruning Cassia Javanica is essential to maintain its shape, remove dead or damaged branches, and encourage a more compact growth habit. Prune Cassia Javanica in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Pests and Diseases

Cassia Javanica is generally resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can occasionally be affected by aphids, caterpillars, or scale insects.

Regularly inspect Cassia Javanica for signs of infestation and take appropriate measures to control pests, such as using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.

The tree is relatively resistant to diseases but can occasionally suffer from fungal leaf spots or root rot if the soil is excessively wet or poorly drained.