Wild Grape Plant Care

Wild Grape (Lannea microcarpa) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Lannea genus. Wild Grape is also known as African Wild Grape, Sour Plum, False Marula.

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.

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.

Wild Grape thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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.

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.

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 compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Wild Grape is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Wild Grape grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Wild Grape as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.