Wild Grape Plant Care

Lannea acida A.Rich.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant is known for its bright green, oval-shaped leaves that turn a striking red color in the fall. Originating from Africa, Lannea acida is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in both tropical and subtropical climates.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Wild Grape?

Plant Wild Grape in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a–12b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Wild Grape Native To?

Native range26 countries

What Is the Wild Grape?

Wild Grape (Lannea acida) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Lannea genus. Wild Grape is native to the Guinea and Sudan savannas of West and Central Africa. Wild Grape is also known as African Wild Grape, Sour Plum.

Wild Grape displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Wild Grape produces small clusters of white or yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Wild Grape?

Water a young or newly planted Wild Grape 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Wild Grape Need?

Wild Grape thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wild Grape Prefer?

Lannea acida tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Wild Grape prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wild Grape?

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Wild Grape to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Wild Grape?

Feed Wild Grape 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Wild Grape?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Wild Grape is suited to USDA Zone 13a – 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Wild Grape?

Wild Grape can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 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.

How Do You Prune a Wild Grape?

Prune Wild Grape 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.

How Do You Care for a Wild Grape in Winter?

Wild Grape 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.

How Do You Propagate a Wild Grape?

Wild Grape can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to coromandel lannea plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Wild Grape Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Wild Grape, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

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

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Wild Grape?

Wild Grape is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Wild Grape Need?

Wild Grape grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Wild Grape is native to the Guinea and Sudan savannas of West and Central Africa. In cooler regions, grow Wild Grape as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Wild Grape is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Lannea genus — compare its care with other Lannea species on PlantoScan.

Lannea is part of the Anacardiaceae plant family — browse all Anacardiaceae genera and species.

Wild Grape thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Lannea acida A.Rich., family Anacardiaceae (first published in Fl. Seneg. Tent. 1: 153 (1831)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Wild Grape, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a – 12b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
Wild Grape Instantly

Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species