Scottellia klaineana Plant Care

Scottellia klaineana (Scottellia klaineana) belongs to the Achariaceae family within the Scottellia genus. Scottellia klaineana is native to West and Central Africa.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Scottellia klaineana 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.

Scottellia klaineana thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Scottellia klaineana to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Scottellia klaineana 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 rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Scottellia klaineana 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.

Scottellia klaineana 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 Scottellia klaineana 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.

Scottellia klaineana 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.

Scottellia klaineana can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to scottellia leonensis plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Scottellia klaineana 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.

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