Argan Plant Care

Argan (Argania spinosa) belongs to the Sapotaceae family within the Argania genus. Argan is native to the calcareous semi-desert Sous valley and to the Chiadma and Haha regions of Morocco, as well as some parts of Tindouf Province in southwestern Algeria, and also to Mauritania and Western Sahara. Argan is also known as Argan tree, Argan oil tree.

Argan displays a slow-growing tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Argan produces small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Argan every 14–21 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.

Argan thrives in full sun.

Argania spinosa tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Argan prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Argan to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Argan every 8 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 and well-draining sandy soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Argan is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 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.

Argan can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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 Argan 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.

Argan is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Argan can be propagated through seeds, grafting.

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

Argan is susceptible to 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.

Argan grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Argan is native to the calcareous semi-desert Sous valley and to the Chiadma and Haha regions of Morocco, as well as some parts of Tindouf Province in southwestern Algeria, and also to Mauritania and Western Sahara. In cooler regions, grow Argan as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.