African holly Plant Care

African holly (Astropanax myrianthus) belongs to the Araliaceae family within the Astropanax genus. African holly is native to Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. African holly is also known as Kenya coffee tree.

African holly displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. African holly produces small white clusters in umbels.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African holly 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.

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

Astropanax myrianthus tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. African holly prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for African holly to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African holly 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, rich loamy soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African holly 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 holly can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 holly 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 holly 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 holly can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to astropanax barteri plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African holly is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, aphids. 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 holly grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. African holly is native to Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. In cooler regions, grow African holly as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.