Saxaul Plant Care

Saxaul (Haloxylon scoparium) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Haloxylon genus. Saxaul is native to semiarid north Africa and the Middle East.

Saxaul displays a drought-tolerant shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Saxaul produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Saxaul every 14–21 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.

Saxaul thrives in full sun.

Haloxylon scoparium tolerates temperatures of 50–95°F. Saxaul prefers humidity levels of 10–40%.

Sandy, well-draining soil with low fertility and high salinity tolerance. Good drainage is essential for Saxaul to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with full sun and sandy, well-draining soil with low fertility and high salinity tolerance. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Saxaul is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Saxaul can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Saxaul 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.

Saxaul is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

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

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Saxaul is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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.

Saxaul grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Saxaul is native to semiarid north Africa and the Middle East. In cooler regions, grow Saxaul as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.