African candelabra plant Plant Care

African candelabra plant (Magnistipula conrauana) belongs to the Chrysobalanaceae family within the Magnistipula genus. African candelabra plant is native to Cameroon. African candelabra plant is also known as Congo candlestick plant.

African candelabra plant displays a tall tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. African candelabra plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African candelabra plant 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 candelabra plant thrives in partial to full sun.

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

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for African candelabra plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African candelabra plant 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 partial to full sun and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African candelabra plant 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.

African candelabra plant can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 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 candelabra plant 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 candelabra plant 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.

African candelabra plant can be propagated through seeds, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african milkweed plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

African candelabra plant is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, mealybugs. 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 candelabra plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. African candelabra plant is native to Cameroon. In cooler regions, grow African candelabra plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.