African ebony Plant Care

African ebony (Diospyros eriantha) belongs to the Ebenaceae family within the Diospyros genus. African ebony is native to and around southern China, Indochina, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Taiwan and the Philippines. African ebony is also known as black ebony.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African 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.

African ebony thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Diospyros eriantha tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. African 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 African ebony to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African 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.

African ebony is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 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.

African 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 African 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.

African ebony is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African 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.

African 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.

African ebony grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. African ebony is native to and around southern China, Indochina, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Taiwan and the Philippines. In cooler regions, grow African ebony as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.