Algarrobo Blanco Plant Care
Prosopis alba Griseb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Neltuma alba is a South American tree species that grows in central Argentina, the Gran Chaco ecoregion, and part of the Argentine Mesopotamia, as well as Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru. It is known as algarrobo blanco in Spanish.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
50–95°F
10–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Algarrobo Blanco?
Plant Algarrobo Blanco in full sun (USDA zones 12a) and water a young tree every 14–21 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–95°F (10–35°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Algarrobo Blanco?
Algarrobo Blanco (Prosopis alba) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Prosopis genus. Algarrobo Blanco is also known as White Algarroba, White Mesquite.
Algarrobo Blanco displays a large spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 40 ft. Algarrobo Blanco produces small yellow-green flowers in elongated clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Algarrobo Blanco?
Water a young or newly planted Algarrobo Blanco every 14–21 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 14–21 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Algarrobo Blanco Need?
Algarrobo Blanco thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Algarrobo Blanco Prefer?
Prosopis alba tolerates temperatures of 50–95°F. Algarrobo Blanco prefers humidity levels of 10–60%.
Temperature
50–95°F
Humidity
10–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Algarrobo Blanco?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Algarrobo Blanco to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Algarrobo Blanco?
Feed Algarrobo Blanco 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 Algarrobo Blanco?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil mix with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Algarrobo Blanco 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Algarrobo Blanco?
Algarrobo Blanco can spread to about 40 ft (12.2 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 40 ft (12.2 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 Algarrobo Blanco?
Prune Algarrobo Blanco 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 Algarrobo Blanco in Winter?
Algarrobo Blanco 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.
How Do You Propagate a Algarrobo Blanco?
Algarrobo Blanco can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chilean mesquite plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Algarrobo Blanco Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Algarrobo Blanco, 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 Algarrobo Blanco?
Algarrobo Blanco is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, pod gall midges. 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 Algarrobo Blanco Need?
Algarrobo Blanco grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Algarrobo Blanco as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Algarrobo Blanco 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 Prosopis genus — compare its care with other Prosopis species on PlantoScan.
Prosopis is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Algarrobo Blanco thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Prosopis Species
Other Prosopis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Prosopis alba Griseb., family Fabaceae (first published in Abh. Königl. Ges. Wiss. Göttingen 19: 131 (1874)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Algarrobo Blanco, 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 12a, 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.
