Mopane Plant Care

Mopane (Colophospermum mopane) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Colophospermum genus. Mopane is also known as Mopane Worm Tree, Butterfly Tree, Copaiba mopane.

Mopane displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 40 ft. Mopane produces small yellow-green flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mopane 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.

Mopane thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Colophospermum mopane tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Mopane prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Mopane to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Mopane every 8 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 soil mix with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mopane is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Mopane can spread to about 40 ft (12.2 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 m) tall. Space plants about 40 ft (12.2 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 Mopane 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.

Mopane 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.

Mopane can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Mopane is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leaf miners. 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.

Mopane grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Mopane as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.