Malania oleifera Plant Care

Malania oleifera (Malania oleifera) belongs to the Olacaceae family within the Malania genus. Malania oleifera is native to Western Guangxi and South-Eastern Yunnan provinces.

Malania oleifera displays a tall, slender tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Malania oleifera produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Malania oleifera 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.

Malania oleifera thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Malania oleifera in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Malania oleifera tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Malania oleifera prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Malania oleifera 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 shade and rich, well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Malania oleifera is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Malania oleifera 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 Malania oleifera 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.

Malania oleifera is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Malania oleifera can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Malania oleifera 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.

Malania oleifera grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Malania oleifera is native to Western Guangxi and South-Eastern Yunnan provinces. In cooler regions, grow Malania oleifera as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.