False Cucumber Plant Care

False Cucumber (Rawsonia lucida) belongs to the Achariaceae family within the Rawsonia genus. False Cucumber is native to eastern, central and southern Africa. False Cucumber is also known as Wild Cucumber.

False Cucumber displays a tall, slender tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. False Cucumber produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted False Cucumber 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.

False Cucumber thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Rawsonia lucida tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. False Cucumber prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed False Cucumber 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.

False Cucumber 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.

False Cucumber can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 False Cucumber 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.

False Cucumber 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.

False Cucumber can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to rawsonia burtt-davyi plant care, which shares the same genus.

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False Cucumber is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

False Cucumber grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. False Cucumber is native to eastern, central and southern Africa. In cooler regions, grow False Cucumber as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.