Protorhus longifolia Plant Care

Protorhus longifolia (Protorhus longifolia) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Protorhus genus. Protorhus longifolia is native to South Africa and Eswatini.

Protorhus longifolia displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Protorhus longifolia produces small clusters of greenish-white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Protorhus longifolia 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.

Protorhus longifolia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Protorhus longifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Protorhus longifolia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Protorhus longifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Protorhus longifolia 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 loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Protorhus longifolia 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.

Protorhus longifolia 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 Protorhus longifolia 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.

Protorhus longifolia 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.

Protorhus longifolia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Protorhus longifolia is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.

Protorhus longifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Protorhus longifolia is native to South Africa and Eswatini. In cooler regions, grow Protorhus longifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.