South African Marula Plant Care

South African Marula (Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Sclerocarya genus. South African Marula is also known as Natal Marula.

South African Marula displays a large canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. South African Marula produces small greenish flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted South African Marula 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.

South African Marula thrives in full sun.

Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. South African Marula prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for South African Marula to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed South African Marula every 8 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 loam with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

South African Marula 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.

South African Marula can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 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 South African Marula 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.

South African Marula 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.

South African Marula can be propagated through seeds, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to marula plant care, which shares the same genus.

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South African Marula is susceptible to scale insects, caterpillars. 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.

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