Swazi Waterberry Plant Care
Cassipourea swaziensis Compton
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cassipourea swaziensis is a species of plant in the Rhizophoraceae family. It is found in South Africa and Eswatini.
Every 7–14 days
Partial to full sun
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Swazi Waterberry?
Plant Swazi Waterberry in partial to full sun (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 Swazi Waterberry Native To?
What Is the Swazi Waterberry?
Swazi Waterberry (Cassipourea swaziensis) belongs to the Rhizophoraceae family within the Cassipourea genus. Swazi Waterberry is native to South Africa and Eswatini.
Swazi Waterberry displays a tall tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Swazi Waterberry produces small clusters of white or yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Swazi Waterberry?
Water a young or newly planted Swazi Waterberry 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 Swazi Waterberry Need?
Swazi Waterberry thrives in partial to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Swazi Waterberry Prefer?
Cassipourea swaziensis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Swazi Waterberry prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Swazi Waterberry?
Well-draining sandy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Swazi Waterberry to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Swazi Waterberry?
Feed Swazi Waterberry 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 Swazi Waterberry?
Choose a spot with partial to full sun and well-draining sandy soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Swazi Waterberry 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 Swazi Waterberry?
Swazi Waterberry 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 Swazi Waterberry?
Prune Swazi Waterberry 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 Swazi Waterberry in Winter?
Swazi Waterberry 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 Swazi Waterberry?
Swazi Waterberry can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cassipourea malosana plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Swazi Waterberry Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Swazi Waterberry, 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 Swazi Waterberry?
Swazi Waterberry is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Swazi Waterberry Need?
Swazi Waterberry grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Swazi Waterberry is native to South Africa and Eswatini. In cooler regions, grow Swazi Waterberry as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Swazi Waterberry 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 Cassipourea genus — compare its care with other Cassipourea species on PlantoScan.
Cassipourea is part of the Rhizophoraceae plant family — browse all Rhizophoraceae genera and species.
Swazi Waterberry thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Cassipourea Species
Other Cassipourea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cassipourea swaziensis Compton, family Rhizophoraceae (first published in J. S. African Bot. 33: 296 (1967)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Swazi Waterberry, 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.
