White alafia Plant Care

White alafia (Alafia alba) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Alafia genus. White alafia is native to West Africa. White alafia is also known as Alafia palm.

White alafia displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. White alafia produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted White alafia every 7–10 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.

White alafia thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing White alafia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

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

Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for White alafia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed White alafia 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 bright indirect light and well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

White alafia 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.

White alafia can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 White alafia 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.

White alafia 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.

White alafia can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alafia barteri plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

White alafia 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.

White alafia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. White alafia is native to West Africa. In cooler regions, grow White alafia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.