Sideroxylon spinosum Plant Care

Sideroxylon spinosum (Sideroxylon spinosum) belongs to the Sapotaceae family within the Sideroxylon genus. Sideroxylon spinosum is native to the calcareous semi-desert Sous valley and to the Chiadma and Haha regions of Morocco, as well as some parts of Tindouf Province in southwestern Algeria, and also to Mauritania and Western Sahara.

Sideroxylon spinosum displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Sideroxylon spinosum produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Sideroxylon spinosum 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.

Sideroxylon spinosum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Sideroxylon spinosum tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Sideroxylon spinosum prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Sideroxylon spinosum 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 well-draining loamy soil with added sand and perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Sideroxylon spinosum is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

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.

Sideroxylon spinosum can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Sideroxylon spinosum 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.

Sideroxylon spinosum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Sideroxylon spinosum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to false ironwood plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Sideroxylon spinosum is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, mealybugs. 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.

Sideroxylon spinosum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Sideroxylon spinosum is native to the calcareous semi-desert Sous valley and to the Chiadma and Haha regions of Morocco, as well as some parts of Tindouf Province in southwestern Algeria, and also to Mauritania and Western Sahara. In cooler regions, grow Sideroxylon spinosum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.