Coromandel Ebony Plant Care

Coromandel Ebony (Diospyros melanoxylon) belongs to the Ebenaceae family within the Diospyros genus. Coromandel Ebony is native to India and Sri Lanka. Coromandel Ebony is also known as East Indian Ebony, Gaub, Kala Karu.

Coromandel Ebony displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Coromandel Ebony produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Coromandel Ebony 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.

Coromandel Ebony thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Diospyros melanoxylon tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Coromandel Ebony prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Coromandel Ebony to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Coromandel Ebony 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 loamy soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Coromandel Ebony 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.

Coromandel Ebony can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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 Coromandel Ebony 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.

Coromandel Ebony 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.

Coromandel Ebony can be propagated through seeds, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to japanese persimmon plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Coromandel Ebony is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. 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.

Coromandel Ebony grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Coromandel Ebony is native to India and Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow Coromandel Ebony as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.