Natal Climbing Tree Plant Care

Natal Climbing Tree (Acridocarpus natalitius) belongs to the Malpighiaceae family within the Acridocarpus genus. Natal Climbing Tree is native to south-eastern Africa.

Natal Climbing Tree displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Natal Climbing Tree produces small, fragrant yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Natal Climbing Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Natal Climbing Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Acridocarpus natalitius tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Natal Climbing Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Natal Climbing Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Natal Climbing Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Natal Climbing Tree is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Natal Climbing Tree can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Natal Climbing Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Natal Climbing Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Natal Climbing Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Natal Climbing Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Natal Climbing Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Natal Climbing Tree is native to south-eastern Africa. In cooler regions, grow Natal Climbing Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.