Australian Coca Plant Care

Australian Coca (Erythroxylum australe) belongs to the Erythroxylaceae family within the Erythroxylum genus. Australian Coca is native to northern Australia.

Australian Coca displays a small tree, shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Australian Coca produces small white or yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Australian Coca 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.

Australian Coca thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Erythroxylum australe tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Australian Coca prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Australian Coca to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Australian Coca 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 loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Australian Coca is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Australian Coca can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 Australian Coca 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.

Australian Coca 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.

Australian Coca can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to thin-leaved coca plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Australian Coca is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

Australian Coca grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Australian Coca is native to northern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Australian Coca as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.