Namibian Bottle Tree Plant Care

Namibian Bottle Tree (Maerua crassifolia) belongs to the Capparaceae family within the Maerua genus. Namibian Bottle Tree is native to Africa, tropical Arabia, and Israel. Namibian Bottle Tree is also known as Corkwood Tree.

Namibian Bottle Tree displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Namibian Bottle Tree produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Namibian Bottle Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Namibian Bottle Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Maerua crassifolia tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Namibian Bottle Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Namibian Bottle Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Namibian Bottle Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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 soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Namibian Bottle Tree is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Namibian Bottle Tree can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune Namibian Bottle Tree 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 shrub in one year.

Namibian Bottle Tree 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.

Namibian Bottle Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to maerua acuminata plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Namibian Bottle Tree 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.

Namibian Bottle Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Namibian Bottle Tree is native to Africa, tropical Arabia, and Israel. In cooler regions, grow Namibian Bottle Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.