Sharp-leaved False Buckthorn Plant Care

Sharp-leaved False Buckthorn (Allophylus acutatus) belongs to the Sapindaceae family within the Allophylus genus. Sharp-leaved False Buckthorn is native to Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador. Sharp-leaved False Buckthorn is also known as Allophylus acuminatus.

Sharp-leaved False Buckthorn displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Sharp-leaved False Buckthorn produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Sharp-leaved False Buckthorn 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.

Sharp-leaved False Buckthorn thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Allophylus acutatus tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Sharp-leaved False Buckthorn prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Sharp-leaved False Buckthorn to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Sharp-leaved False Buckthorn 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 shade to full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Sharp-leaved False Buckthorn is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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.

Sharp-leaved False Buckthorn can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Sharp-leaved False Buckthorn 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.

Sharp-leaved False Buckthorn 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.

Sharp-leaved False Buckthorn can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to allophylus aldabricus plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Sharp-leaved False Buckthorn 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.

Sharp-leaved False Buckthorn grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Sharp-leaved False Buckthorn is native to Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Sharp-leaved False Buckthorn as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.