Seychelles redwood Plant Care

Seychelles redwood (Erythroxylum sechellarum) belongs to the Erythroxylaceae family within the Erythroxylum genus. Seychelles redwood is native to Seychelles.

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

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Seychelles redwood 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.

Seychelles redwood thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Erythroxylum sechellarum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Seychelles redwood 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 Seychelles redwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Seychelles redwood 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.

Seychelles redwood 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.

Seychelles redwood 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 Seychelles redwood 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.

Seychelles redwood 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.

Seychelles redwood 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.

Seychelles redwood 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.

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