Photo: Ben JobsonCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Tree Crambe Plant Care
Crambe arborea Webb ex Christ
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its large, glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of small white flowers, this plant originates from the Canary Islands. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique appearance and ability to thrive in a variety of climates, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Tree Crambe?
Water Tree Crambe every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Tree Crambe?
Tree Crambe (Crambe arborea) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Crambe genus. Tree Crambe is native to Portugal, Spain.
Tree Crambe displays a clumping herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Tree Crambe produces small white clustered flowers in terminal panicles.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tree Crambe?
Crambe arborea requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Tree Crambe Need?
Tree Crambe thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tree Crambe Prefer?
Crambe arborea grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Tree Crambe prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tree Crambe?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Tree Crambe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tree Crambe?
Feed Tree Crambe every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Tree Crambe?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Tree Crambe?
Tree Crambe can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sea kale plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tree Crambe Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tree Crambe, 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 Tree Crambe?
Tree Crambe is susceptible to aphids, flea beetles, cabbage worms. 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 Tree Crambe Need?
Tree Crambe grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Tree Crambe is native to Portugal, Spain. In cooler regions, grow Tree Crambe as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Tree Crambe 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 Crambe genus — compare its care with other Crambe species on PlantoScan.
Crambe is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.
Tree Crambe thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Crambe arborea Webb ex Christ, family Brassicaceae (first published in Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 9: 94 (1887)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tree Crambe, 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.
- Photo: Ben Jobson, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
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