Pseudagrostistachys africana Plant Care

Pseudagrostistachys africana (Pseudagrostistachys africana) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Pseudagrostistachys genus. Pseudagrostistachys africana is native to Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Nigeria, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Pseudagrostistachys africana displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Pseudagrostistachys africana produces small greenish-yellow flowers in dense spikes.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pseudagrostistachys africana every 7–10 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.

Pseudagrostistachys africana thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Pseudagrostistachys africana in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Pseudagrostistachys africana tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Pseudagrostistachys africana prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Pseudagrostistachys africana 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 bright indirect to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pseudagrostistachys africana 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.

Pseudagrostistachys africana can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Pseudagrostistachys africana 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.

Pseudagrostistachys africana 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.

Pseudagrostistachys africana can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.

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

Pseudagrostistachys africana is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. 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.

Pseudagrostistachys africana grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Pseudagrostistachys africana is native to Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Nigeria, and São Tomé and Príncipe. In cooler regions, grow Pseudagrostistachys africana as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.