African Endod Plant Care

African Endod (Phytolacca dodecandra) belongs to the Phytolaccaceae family within the Phytolacca genus. African Endod is native to Tropical Africa, Southern Africa, and Madagascar. African Endod is also known as Endod.

African Endod displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. African Endod produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

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

Phytolacca dodecandra tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. African Endod prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

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

Feed African Endod 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 moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African Endod is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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 Endod can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune African Endod 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 Endod 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.

African Endod can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to rivinoides pokeweed plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African Endod is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leaf miners. 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 Endod grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. African Endod is native to Tropical Africa, Southern Africa, and Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow African Endod as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.