African Walnut Plant Care

African Walnut (Lovoa trichilioides) belongs to the Meliaceae family within the Lovoa genus. African Walnut is native to Central Africa. African Walnut is also known as Tigerwood, Danielle.

African Walnut displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. African Walnut produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African Walnut 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.

African Walnut thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Lovoa trichilioides tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. African Walnut prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with added compost and organic matter. Good drainage is essential for African Walnut to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African Walnut 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 rich, well-draining soil with added compost and organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African Walnut is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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.

African Walnut can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 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 African Walnut 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.

African Walnut is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African Walnut can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to swynnerton's lovoa plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African Walnut 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.

African Walnut grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. African Walnut is native to Central Africa. In cooler regions, grow African Walnut as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.