Obovate-leaved Mangrove Plant Care

Obovate-leaved Mangrove (Kandelia obovata) belongs to the Rhizophoraceae family within the Kandelia genus. Obovate-leaved Mangrove is native to Vietnam, Natuna Islands of Indonesia, Southern China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan. Obovate-leaved Mangrove is also known as Mangrove.

Obovate-leaved Mangrove displays a tall, mangrove tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Obovate-leaved Mangrove produces small white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Obovate-leaved Mangrove 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.

Obovate-leaved Mangrove thrives in full sun.

Kandelia obovata tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Obovate-leaved Mangrove prefers humidity levels of 60–90%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Sandy, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Obovate-leaved Mangrove to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Obovate-leaved Mangrove 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 and sandy, loamy soil with good drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Obovate-leaved Mangrove is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 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.

Obovate-leaved Mangrove can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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 Obovate-leaved Mangrove 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.

Obovate-leaved Mangrove is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Obovate-leaved Mangrove can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kandelia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Obovate-leaved Mangrove is susceptible to mangrove tree borer, 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.

Obovate-leaved Mangrove grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Obovate-leaved Mangrove is native to Vietnam, Natuna Islands of Indonesia, Southern China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan. In cooler regions, grow Obovate-leaved Mangrove as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.