African Plum Plant Care

African Plum (Nageia formosensis) belongs to the Podocarpaceae family within the Nageia genus.

African Plum displays a slow-growing evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. African Plum produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African Plum 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 Plum thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Nageia formosensis tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. African Plum prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed African Plum every 8 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 shade to full sun and well-draining acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African Plum 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.

African Plum 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 African Plum 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 Plum 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.

African Plum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to nagi plant care, which shares the same genus.

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