Spiny Oncoba Plant Care

Spiny Oncoba (Oncoba spinosa) belongs to the Salicaceae family within the Oncoba genus. Spiny Oncoba is also known as Snuff Box Tree, Natal Flacourtia, Flacourtia.

Spiny Oncoba displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Spiny Oncoba produces fragrant white or cream flowers with yellow centers.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Spiny Oncoba 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.

Spiny Oncoba thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Oncoba spinosa tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Spiny Oncoba prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Spiny Oncoba 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 organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Spiny Oncoba is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Spiny Oncoba can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Spiny Oncoba 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.

Spiny Oncoba 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.

Spiny Oncoba can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Spiny Oncoba 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.

Spiny Oncoba grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Spiny Oncoba as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.