Cola rostrata Plant Care

Cola rostrata (Cola rostrata) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Cola genus. Cola rostrata is native to the tropical rainforests of Cameroon, Nigeria and Gabon.

Cola rostrata displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Cola rostrata produces showy, colorful bell-shaped flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cola rostrata 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.

Cola rostrata thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

Loamy, well-draining soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Cola rostrata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cola rostrata 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 loamy, well-draining soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cola rostrata 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.

Cola rostrata can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 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 Cola rostrata 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.

Cola rostrata 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.

Cola rostrata can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kola nut plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Cola rostrata 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.

Cola rostrata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Cola rostrata is native to the tropical rainforests of Cameroon, Nigeria and Gabon. In cooler regions, grow Cola rostrata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.