Korup Berlinia Plant Care

Berlinia korupensis Mackinder & Burgt

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant is known for its large, glossy, dark green leaves that have a unique reddish tint underneath. Originating from the rainforests of Cameroon, Berlinia korupensis is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking foliage and rare exotic appearance. Its bold presence and vibrant colors make it a standout addition to any tropical plant collection.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs🍃Climbers & Vines
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Korup Berlinia?

Plant Korup Berlinia in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Korup Berlinia Native To?

Native range17 countries

What Is the Korup Berlinia?

Korup Berlinia (Berlinia korupensis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Berlinia genus. Korup Berlinia is native to the Korup National Park in Cameroon, West Africa. Korup Berlinia is also known as Korup Ironwood.

Korup Berlinia displays a tall tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Korup Berlinia produces small clusters of yellow or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Korup Berlinia?

Water a young or newly planted Korup Berlinia 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Korup Berlinia Need?

Korup Berlinia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Korup Berlinia Prefer?

Berlinia korupensis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Korup Berlinia prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Korup Berlinia?

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Korup Berlinia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Korup Berlinia?

Feed Korup Berlinia 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 Korup Berlinia?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Korup Berlinia 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Korup Berlinia?

Korup Berlinia 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.

How Do You Prune a Korup Berlinia?

Prune Korup Berlinia 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 Korup Berlinia in Winter?

Korup Berlinia 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.

How Do You Propagate a Korup Berlinia?

Korup Berlinia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african oak plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Korup Berlinia Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Korup Berlinia, 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 Korup Berlinia?

Korup Berlinia is susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, caterpillars. 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 Korup Berlinia Need?

Korup Berlinia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Korup Berlinia is native to the Korup National Park in Cameroon, West Africa. In cooler regions, grow Korup Berlinia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Korup Berlinia 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 Berlinia genus — compare its care with other Berlinia species on PlantoScan.

Berlinia is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.

Korup Berlinia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Berlinia korupensis Mackinder & Burgt, family Fabaceae (first published in Kew Bull. 64: 130 (2009)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Korup Berlinia, 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 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • 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.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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