Guinea Cleistanthus Plant Care

Guinea Cleistanthus (Anthocleista djalonensis) belongs to the Gentianaceae family within the Anthocleista genus. Guinea Cleistanthus is native to Guinea. Guinea Cleistanthus is also known as Djalonensis Anthocleista.

Guinea Cleistanthus displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Guinea Cleistanthus produces fragrant white or pink tubular flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Guinea Cleistanthus 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.

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

Anthocleista djalonensis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Guinea Cleistanthus prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Guinea Cleistanthus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Guinea Cleistanthus 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 rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Guinea Cleistanthus 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.

Guinea Cleistanthus can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 6 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 Guinea Cleistanthus 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.

Guinea Cleistanthus 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.

Guinea Cleistanthus can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Guinea Cleistanthus is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Guinea Cleistanthus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Guinea Cleistanthus is native to Guinea. In cooler regions, grow Guinea Cleistanthus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.