African Noltea Plant Care

African Noltea (Noltea africana) belongs to the Rhamnaceae family within the Noltea genus. African Noltea is native to the southern Cape of South Africa.

African Noltea displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. African Noltea produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African Noltea every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

African Noltea thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Noltea africana tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. African Noltea prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed African Noltea every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African Noltea is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

African Noltea can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune African Noltea 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 shrub in one year.

African Noltea 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 Noltea can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings.

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

African Noltea 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.

African Noltea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. African Noltea is native to the southern Cape of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow African Noltea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.