Pachyloba Afzelia Plant Care

Afzelia pachyloba Harms

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Afzelia pachyloba, commonly known as afzelia, white afzelia, doussié, or doussié blanc, is a species of tree in the family Fabaceae that is native to tropical Western and Central Africa. It is harvested for its timber.

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Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Pachyloba Afzelia?

Plant Pachyloba Afzelia in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Pachyloba Afzelia Native To?

Native range25 countries

What Is the Pachyloba Afzelia?

Pachyloba Afzelia (Afzelia pachyloba) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Afzelia genus. Pachyloba Afzelia is native to tropical Western and Central Africa.

Pachyloba Afzelia displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Pachyloba Afzelia produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Pachyloba Afzelia?

Water a young or newly planted Pachyloba Afzelia 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Pachyloba Afzelia Need?

Pachyloba Afzelia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pachyloba Afzelia Prefer?

Afzelia pachyloba tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Pachyloba Afzelia prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pachyloba Afzelia?

Well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Pachyloba Afzelia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Pachyloba Afzelia?

Feed Pachyloba Afzelia 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.

Fertilizing

Every 8 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Pachyloba Afzelia?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pachyloba Afzelia 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Pachyloba Afzelia?

Pachyloba Afzelia can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 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.

How Do You Prune a Pachyloba Afzelia?

Prune Pachyloba Afzelia 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.

How Do You Care for a Pachyloba Afzelia in Winter?

Pachyloba Afzelia 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.

How Do You Propagate a Pachyloba Afzelia?

Pachyloba Afzelia can be propagated through seeds, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chanfuta plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Pachyloba Afzelia Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Pachyloba Afzelia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

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

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Pachyloba Afzelia?

Pachyloba Afzelia is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, beetles. 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Pachyloba Afzelia Need?

Pachyloba Afzelia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Pachyloba Afzelia is native to tropical Western and Central Africa. In cooler regions, grow Pachyloba Afzelia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Pachyloba Afzelia is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Afzelia genus — compare its care with other Afzelia species on PlantoScan.

Afzelia is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.

Pachyloba Afzelia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Afzelia pachyloba Harms, family Fabaceae (first published in Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 49: 426 (1913)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pachyloba Afzelia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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