Bois de Fer Plant Care

Bois de Fer (Labourdonnaisia glauca) belongs to the Sapotaceae family within the Labourdonnaisia genus. Bois de Fer is native to Madagascar.

Bois de Fer displays a tall, columnar tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Bois de Fer produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bois de Fer 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.

Bois de Fer thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Labourdonnaisia glauca tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Bois de Fer prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Bois de Fer to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bois de Fer 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 with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bois de Fer is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 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.

Bois de Fer can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Bois de Fer 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.

Bois de Fer is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Bois de Fer can be propagated through seeds, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to labourdonnaisia calophylloides plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Bois de Fer is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, 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.

Bois de Fer grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Bois de Fer is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Bois de Fer as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.