Bitterwood Plant Care

Bitterwood (Sacoglottis gabonensis) belongs to the Humiriaceae family within the Sacoglottis genus. Bitterwood is native to tropical Africa. Bitterwood is also known as Gabon Bitterwood.

Bitterwood displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Bitterwood produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bitterwood 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.

Bitterwood thrives in partial to full sun.

Sacoglottis gabonensis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Bitterwood prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Bitterwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bitterwood 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 partial to full sun and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bitterwood is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

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.

Bitterwood can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 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 Bitterwood 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.

Bitterwood is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Bitterwood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Bitterwood is susceptible to 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.

Bitterwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Bitterwood is native to tropical Africa. In cooler regions, grow Bitterwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.