Henna Plant Care

Henna (Lawsonia inermis) belongs to the Lythraceae family within the Lawsonia genus. Henna is also known as Egyptian Privet, Mignonette Tree, Hina.

Henna displays a medium-sized shrub with spreading branches growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Henna produces small fragrant white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Henna every 7–10 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.

Henna thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Lawsonia inermis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Henna prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Henna 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.

Henna 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.

Henna can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 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 Henna 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.

Henna 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.

Henna can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Henna 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.

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