Lebombo Ironwood Plant Care

Lebombo Ironwood (Androstachys johnsonii) belongs to the Picrodendraceae family within the Androstachys genus. Lebombo Ironwood is native to southeastern Africa and Madagascar.

Lebombo Ironwood displays a tall, slender tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Lebombo Ironwood produces small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Lebombo Ironwood 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.

Lebombo Ironwood thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Androstachys johnsonii tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Lebombo Ironwood prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Lebombo Ironwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Lebombo Ironwood 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Lebombo Ironwood is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

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.

Lebombo Ironwood can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Lebombo Ironwood 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.

Lebombo Ironwood 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.

Lebombo Ironwood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Lebombo Ironwood 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.

Lebombo Ironwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Lebombo Ironwood is native to southeastern Africa and Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Lebombo Ironwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.