Leatherwood Plant Care

Leatherwood (Allophylus bullatus) belongs to the Sapindaceae family within the Allophylus genus. Leatherwood is native to Cameroon, Nigeria, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Leatherwood is also known as Allophylus edulis.

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

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Leatherwood 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.

Leatherwood thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Allophylus bullatus tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Leatherwood prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Leatherwood 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.

Leatherwood 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.

Leatherwood 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 Leatherwood 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.

Leatherwood 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.

Leatherwood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Leatherwood 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.

Leatherwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Leatherwood is native to Cameroon, Nigeria, and São Tomé and Príncipe. In cooler regions, grow Leatherwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.