Cussonia spicata Plant Care

Cussonia spicata (Cussonia spicata) belongs to the Araliaceae family within the Cussonia genus. Cussonia spicata is native to East Africa, this species is widely distributed from South Africa in the south to South Sudan in the north.

Cussonia spicata displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Cussonia spicata produces small clusters of white or cream flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cussonia spicata 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.

Cussonia spicata thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Cussonia spicata tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Cussonia spicata prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Cussonia spicata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cussonia spicata 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 well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cussonia spicata 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.

Cussonia spicata can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Cussonia spicata 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.

Cussonia spicata 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.

Cussonia spicata can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tree cabbage tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Cussonia spicata 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.

Cussonia spicata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Cussonia spicata is native to East Africa, this species is widely distributed from South Africa in the south to South Sudan in the north. In cooler regions, grow Cussonia spicata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.