African Wild Caper Plant Care

African Wild Caper (Cadaba fruticosa) belongs to the Capparaceae family within the Cadaba genus. African Wild Caper is native to Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka on the Indian Subcontinent.

African Wild Caper displays a small shrub or tree growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. African Wild Caper produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African Wild Caper 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.

African Wild Caper thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Cadaba fruticosa tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. African Wild Caper prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for African Wild Caper to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African Wild Caper 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African Wild Caper 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.

African Wild Caper 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 African Wild Caper 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.

African Wild Caper 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.

African Wild Caper can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cadaba insularis plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African Wild Caper is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. 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.

African Wild Caper grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. African Wild Caper is native to Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka on the Indian Subcontinent. In cooler regions, grow African Wild Caper as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.