Baphia brachycarpa Plant Care

Baphia brachycarpa (Baphiastrum brachycarpum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Baphiastrum genus. Baphia brachycarpa is native to west-central Africa. Baphia brachycarpa is also known as Acacia brachycarpa.

Baphia brachycarpa displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Baphia brachycarpa produces small clusters of pink, purple, or white pea-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Baphia brachycarpa every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

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

Baphiastrum brachycarpum tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Baphia brachycarpa prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Baphia brachycarpa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Baphia brachycarpa every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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 well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Baphia brachycarpa is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Baphia brachycarpa can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune Baphia brachycarpa 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 shrub in one year.

Baphia brachycarpa 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.

Baphia brachycarpa can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Baphia brachycarpa is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, 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.

Baphia brachycarpa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Baphia brachycarpa is native to west-central Africa. In cooler regions, grow Baphia brachycarpa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.