Afrostyrax lepidophyllus Plant Care

Afrostyrax lepidophyllus (Afrostyrax lepidophyllus) belongs to the Huaceae family within the Afrostyrax genus. Afrostyrax lepidophyllus is native to Cameroon, Gabon, and Ghana.

Afrostyrax lepidophyllus displays a tall, slender tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Afrostyrax lepidophyllus produces small, white fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

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

Afrostyrax lepidophyllus thrives in partial to full sun.

Afrostyrax lepidophyllus tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Afrostyrax lepidophyllus prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Loamy, well-draining soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Afrostyrax lepidophyllus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Afrostyrax lepidophyllus every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 partial to full sun and loamy, well-draining soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Afrostyrax lepidophyllus is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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

Afrostyrax lepidophyllus can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Afrostyrax lepidophyllus 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 tree in one year.

Afrostyrax lepidophyllus is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Afrostyrax lepidophyllus can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Afrostyrax lepidophyllus is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

Afrostyrax lepidophyllus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Afrostyrax lepidophyllus is native to Cameroon, Gabon, and Ghana. In cooler regions, grow Afrostyrax lepidophyllus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.