Angolan Ironwood Plant Care

Angolan Ironwood (Carrissoa angolensis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Carrissoa genus. Angolan Ironwood is native to Angola. Angolan Ironwood is also known as Angola Satinwood.

Angolan Ironwood displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Angolan Ironwood produces small clusters of white, pink, or purple pea-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 10 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Angolan Ironwood 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.

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

Carrissoa angolensis tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Angolan Ironwood prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Angolan Ironwood every 2 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 light and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

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.

Angolan Ironwood can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 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 Angolan Ironwood 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.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Angolan Ironwood can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.

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Angolan Ironwood is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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.