African rosewood Plant Care

African rosewood (Guibourtia schliebenii) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Guibourtia genus. African rosewood is native to Mozambique and Tanzania. African rosewood is also known as Bubinga, Kevazingo.

African rosewood displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. African rosewood produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African rosewood 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 rosewood thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Guibourtia schliebenii tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. African rosewood prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for African rosewood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African rosewood 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 mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African rosewood 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.

African rosewood can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 rosewood 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 rosewood 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.

African rosewood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mutemba plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African rosewood is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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 rosewood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. African rosewood is native to Mozambique and Tanzania. In cooler regions, grow African rosewood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.