Drumstick Tree Plant Care

Drumstick Tree (Moringa hildebrandtii) belongs to the Moringaceae family within the Moringa genus. Drumstick Tree is native to Madagascar. Drumstick Tree is also known as Moringa.

Drumstick Tree displays a fast-growing tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Drumstick Tree produces small white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Drumstick Tree 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.

Drumstick Tree thrives in full sun.

Moringa hildebrandtii tolerates temperatures of 65–95°F. Drumstick Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Drumstick Tree every 4 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 and well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Drumstick Tree is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Drumstick Tree 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 Drumstick 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 tree in one year.

Drumstick Tree 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.

Drumstick Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to moringa plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Drumstick Tree is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, whiteflies. 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.

Drumstick Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Drumstick Tree is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Drumstick Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.