Creeping Spindle Plant Care

Creeping Spindle (Maytenus procumbens) belongs to the Celastraceae family within the Maytenus genus. Creeping Spindle is native to the coastal belt of southern and south-eastern South Africa.

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

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Creeping Spindle 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.

Creeping Spindle thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Maytenus procumbens tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Creeping Spindle prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Creeping Spindle 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.

Creeping Spindle is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Creeping Spindle 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 Creeping Spindle 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.

Creeping Spindle is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Creeping Spindle 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.

Creeping Spindle 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.

Creeping Spindle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Creeping Spindle is native to the coastal belt of southern and south-eastern South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Creeping Spindle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.