Desbordesia glaucescens Plant Care

Desbordesia glaucescens (Desbordesia glaucescens) belongs to the Irvingiaceae family within the Desbordesia genus. Desbordesia glaucescens is native to central Africa.

Desbordesia glaucescens displays a tall, slender tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Desbordesia glaucescens produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Desbordesia glaucescens 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.

Desbordesia glaucescens thrives in partial to full sun.

Desbordesia glaucescens tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Desbordesia glaucescens prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Loamy, well-draining soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Desbordesia glaucescens to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Desbordesia glaucescens 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 partial to full sun and loamy, well-draining soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Desbordesia glaucescens is suited to USDA Zone 11b – 12b.

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.

Desbordesia glaucescens can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 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 Desbordesia glaucescens 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.

Desbordesia glaucescens is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Desbordesia glaucescens can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Desbordesia glaucescens is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Desbordesia glaucescens grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. Desbordesia glaucescens is native to central Africa. In cooler regions, grow Desbordesia glaucescens as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.