Thick-leaved Anthonotha Plant Care
Anthonotha crassifolia (Baill.) J.Léonard
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is characterized by its thick, succulent leaves that have a unique texture and appearance. Originating from Madagascar, Anthonotha crassifolia is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare and exotic nature, making it a prized addition to any collection of succulents.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Thick-leaved Anthonotha?
Plant Thick-leaved Anthonotha in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 11a–12b) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Thick-leaved Anthonotha?
Thick-leaved Anthonotha (Anthonotha crassifolia) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Anthonotha genus. Thick-leaved Anthonotha is native to West Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon. Thick-leaved Anthonotha is also known as African Ironwood.
Thick-leaved Anthonotha displays a tall, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Thick-leaved Anthonotha produces small clusters of fragrant white or pink flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Thick-leaved Anthonotha?
Water a young or newly planted Thick-leaved Anthonotha 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Thick-leaved Anthonotha Need?
Thick-leaved Anthonotha thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Thick-leaved Anthonotha Prefer?
Anthonotha crassifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Thick-leaved Anthonotha prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Thick-leaved Anthonotha?
Well-draining loamy soil mix with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Thick-leaved Anthonotha to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Thick-leaved Anthonotha?
Feed Thick-leaved Anthonotha 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Thick-leaved Anthonotha?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil mix with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Thick-leaved Anthonotha 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Thick-leaved Anthonotha?
Thick-leaved Anthonotha can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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.
How Do You Prune a Thick-leaved Anthonotha?
Prune Thick-leaved Anthonotha 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.
How Do You Care for a Thick-leaved Anthonotha in Winter?
Thick-leaved Anthonotha 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.
How Do You Propagate a Thick-leaved Anthonotha?
Thick-leaved Anthonotha can be propagated through seeds, root division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sweetheart hoya plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Thick-leaved Anthonotha Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Thick-leaved Anthonotha, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Thick-leaved Anthonotha?
Thick-leaved Anthonotha is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Thick-leaved Anthonotha Need?
Thick-leaved Anthonotha grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Thick-leaved Anthonotha is native to West Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon. In cooler regions, grow Thick-leaved Anthonotha as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Thick-leaved Anthonotha is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Anthonotha genus — compare its care with other Anthonotha species on PlantoScan.
Anthonotha is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Thick-leaved Anthonotha thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Anthonotha Species
Other Anthonotha species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Anthonotha crassifolia (Baill.) J.Léonard, family Fabaceae (first published in Bull. Jard. Bot. État Bruxelles 25: 202 (1955)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Thick-leaved Anthonotha, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
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