Golden torch Plant Care

Golden torch (Amanoa bracteosa) belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family within the Amanoa genus. Golden torch is native to Ivory Coast, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Golden torch is also known as Amanoa, Brazilian clover.

Golden torch displays a tall, slender tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Golden torch produces small clusters of inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Golden torch 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.

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

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

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Golden torch to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Golden torch 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 sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Golden torch is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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.

Golden torch can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Golden torch 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.

Golden torch is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Golden torch can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to amanoa anomala plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Golden torch 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.

Golden torch grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Golden torch is native to Ivory Coast, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. In cooler regions, grow Golden torch as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.