Mauritian Ludia Plant Care

Mauritian Ludia (Ludia mauritiana) belongs to the Salicaceae family within the Ludia genus. Mauritian Ludia is native to southeastern Africa and Madagascar.

Mauritian Ludia displays a tall, slender tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Mauritian Ludia produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mauritian Ludia 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.

Mauritian Ludia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Ludia mauritiana tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Mauritian Ludia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Loamy, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Mauritian Ludia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Mauritian Ludia 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 loamy, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mauritian Ludia is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 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.

Mauritian Ludia can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Mauritian Ludia 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.

Mauritian Ludia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Mauritian Ludia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Mauritian Ludia 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.

Mauritian Ludia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Mauritian Ludia is native to southeastern Africa and Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Mauritian Ludia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.