Marula Plant Care

Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Sclerocarya genus. Marula is native to the miombo woodlands of Southern Africa, the Sudano-Sahelian range of West Africa, the savanna woodlands of East Africa and Madagascar. Marula is also known as Morula, Wild Plum, Cider Tree.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted 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.

Marula thrives in full sun.

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

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

Feed 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.

Marula is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 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.

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 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.

Marula is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

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

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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.

Marula grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Marula is native to the miombo woodlands of Southern Africa, the Sudano-Sahelian range of West Africa, the savanna woodlands of East Africa and Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Marula as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.