Comiphyton gabonense Plant Care

Comiphyton gabonense (Comiphyton gabonense) belongs to the Rhizophoraceae family within the Comiphyton genus. Comiphyton gabonense is native to Gabon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in west-central tropical Africa.

Comiphyton gabonense displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Comiphyton gabonense produces small clusters of white, fragrant flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Comiphyton gabonense every 7–10 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.

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

Comiphyton gabonense tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Comiphyton gabonense prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Loamy, well-draining soil mix with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Comiphyton gabonense to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Comiphyton gabonense 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 bright indirect light and loamy, well-draining soil mix with added peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Comiphyton gabonense 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.

Comiphyton gabonense can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Comiphyton gabonense 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.

Comiphyton gabonense 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.

Comiphyton gabonense can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division, air layering.

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

Comiphyton gabonense is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, 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.

Comiphyton gabonense grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Comiphyton gabonense is native to Gabon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in west-central tropical Africa. In cooler regions, grow Comiphyton gabonense as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.