My garden, alive in my pocket.
Track my garden
🌿

Teak

Tectona grandis · Lamiaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around teak and prepare for winter.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Origin
India, Burma and Thailand
Foliage type
Deciduous
Flowering
July to September, small white flowers
Mature size
20 to 40 m in height
Growth
Fast
Hardiness
Tropical, frost-sensitive (min. 12-15 °C)
Soil type
Well-drained, fertile, tolerates poor soils
Light
Full sun

Care

Light exposure

Teak needs maximum sunlight to develop properly. Place it in full sun, with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. This tree thrives only in bright tropical or subtropical conditions.

Regular watering

During the growing season, water regularly without waterlogging the soil. In dry periods, increase frequency to keep the substrate moist but well-drained. Reduce watering in winter or dormancy period. Once established, the tree tolerates some drought.

Soil preparation

Choose deep, fertile, well-drained soil to optimize growth. Teak adapts to poor soils, but providing rich potting mix accelerates development. Ensure efficient drainage to prevent root asphyxiation.

Appropriate fertilization

Apply balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer in spring and summer during active growth. Annual organic matter application (compost) improves soil structure and nutrient content. Reduce applications in autumn and winter.

Pruning and training

No strict pruning is necessary for the tree in natural conditions. In cultivation, you can open up the crown or remove dead or poorly oriented branches. Prune in late winter or after the flowering period.

Health and monitoring

Teak is generally robust and rarely subject to serious pests or diseases in suitable climates. Watch for mealybugs and spider mites in dry or confined conditions. Good drainage and sufficient aeration prevent most fungal problems.

Did you know?

Teak is one of the world's most prestigious woods, sought after for centuries for its exceptional durability and natural resistance to moisture and insects. Ancient Asian kingdoms built temples and palaces with this precious wood, and the British Navy used it extensively for shipbuilding. Today, teak plantations in Southeast Asia are a major economic sector and an important source of income for timber operators.

Where to buy it

Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.

Add this plant to my garden →

Plants from the same family

Browse all plants →

Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.