Manketti Tree Plant Care

Manketti Tree (Schinziophyton rautanenii) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Schinziophyton genus. Manketti Tree is also known as Mongongo Nut.

Manketti Tree displays a tall, slender tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Manketti Tree produces small greenish flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Manketti Tree 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.

Manketti Tree thrives in full sun.

Schinziophyton rautanenii tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Manketti Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Manketti Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Manketti Tree 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 and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Manketti Tree 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.

Manketti Tree can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Manketti Tree 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.

Manketti Tree 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.

Manketti Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Manketti Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

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