African Poisonwood Plant Care

African Poisonwood (Rauvolfia vomitoria) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Rauvolfia genus. African Poisonwood is also known as Imbricaria, Snake Root, Soapo.

African Poisonwood displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. African Poisonwood produces small tubular white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African Poisonwood 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.

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

Rauvolfia vomitoria tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. African Poisonwood 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 African Poisonwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African Poisonwood 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.

African Poisonwood 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.

African Poisonwood 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 African Poisonwood 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.

African Poisonwood 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 Poisonwood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to snake root plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African Poisonwood is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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.

African Poisonwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow African Poisonwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.