Red Ivory Plant Care

Red Ivory (Loxostylis alata) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Loxostylis genus.

Red Ivory displays a small tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Red Ivory produces small clusters of white to cream-colored flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Red Ivory 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.

Red Ivory thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Loxostylis alata tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Red Ivory prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Red Ivory to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Red Ivory 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 sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Red Ivory is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Red Ivory 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 Red Ivory 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.

Red Ivory is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Red Ivory can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering.

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

Red Ivory is susceptible to 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.

Red Ivory grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Red Ivory as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.