Julbernardia seretii Plant Care

Julbernardia seretii (Julbernardia seretii) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Julbernardia genus. Julbernardia seretii is native to tropical West and Central Africa. Julbernardia seretii is also known as African Blackwood.

Julbernardia seretii displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Julbernardia seretii produces small yellow-green flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Julbernardia seretii 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.

Julbernardia seretii thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Julbernardia seretii tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Julbernardia seretii prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Julbernardia seretii every 8 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. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Julbernardia seretii 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.

Julbernardia seretii can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 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 Julbernardia seretii 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.

Julbernardia seretii 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.

Julbernardia seretii can be propagated through seeds, root cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fluffy-leaved marula plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Julbernardia seretii is susceptible to leaf miners, pod borers. 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.

Julbernardia seretii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Julbernardia seretii is native to tropical West and Central Africa. In cooler regions, grow Julbernardia seretii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.