Ceratonia oreothauma Plant Care

Ceratonia oreothauma (Ceratonia oreothauma) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Ceratonia genus. Ceratonia oreothauma is native to Oman and Somaliland.

Ceratonia oreothauma displays a medium-sized evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 25 ft. Ceratonia oreothauma produces small, greenish flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Ceratonia oreothauma every 10–14 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.

Ceratonia oreothauma thrives in full sun.

Ceratonia oreothauma tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Ceratonia oreothauma prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Ceratonia oreothauma to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Ceratonia oreothauma 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 and well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Ceratonia oreothauma is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Ceratonia oreothauma can spread to about 25 ft (7.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 25 ft (7.6 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Ceratonia oreothauma 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.

Ceratonia oreothauma is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Ceratonia oreothauma can be propagated through seeds, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to carob plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Ceratonia oreothauma 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.

Ceratonia oreothauma grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Ceratonia oreothauma is native to Oman and Somaliland. In cooler regions, grow Ceratonia oreothauma as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.