Orangebark Plant Care

Orangebark (Maytenus crassipes) belongs to the Celastraceae family within the Maytenus genus. Orangebark is native to central and western Jamaica. Orangebark is also known as Mayten.

Orangebark displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Orangebark produces small clusters of white or cream-colored flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Orangebark 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.

Orangebark thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Maytenus crassipes tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Orangebark prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Orangebark 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.

Orangebark is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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.

Orangebark can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 Orangebark 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.

Orangebark is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Orangebark can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to maytenus abbottii plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Orangebark is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. 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.

Orangebark grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Orangebark is native to central and western Jamaica. In cooler regions, grow Orangebark as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.