Astropanax mannii Plant Care

Astropanax mannii (Astropanax mannii) belongs to the Araliaceae family within the Astropanax genus. Astropanax mannii is native to the highlands of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, eastern Nigeria, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Astropanax mannii displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Astropanax mannii produces small white clusters in umbels.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Astropanax mannii 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.

Astropanax mannii thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Astropanax mannii in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Astropanax mannii tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Astropanax mannii prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Astropanax mannii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Astropanax mannii 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 to partial shade and well-draining, rich loamy soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Astropanax mannii is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Astropanax mannii can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Astropanax mannii 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.

Astropanax mannii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Astropanax mannii can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to astropanax barteri plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Astropanax mannii is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, aphids. 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.

Astropanax mannii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Astropanax mannii is native to the highlands of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, eastern Nigeria, and São Tomé and Príncipe. In cooler regions, grow Astropanax mannii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.