Strephonema pseudocola Plant Care

Strephonema pseudocola (Strephonema pseudocola) belongs to the Combretaceae family within the Strephonema genus. Strephonema pseudocola is native to the forests of tropical West Africa.

Strephonema pseudocola displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Strephonema pseudocola produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Strephonema pseudocola 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.

Strephonema pseudocola thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

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

Strephonema pseudocola 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.

Strephonema pseudocola 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 Strephonema pseudocola 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.

Strephonema pseudocola 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.

Strephonema pseudocola can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.

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

Strephonema pseudocola is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.

Strephonema pseudocola grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Strephonema pseudocola is native to the forests of tropical West Africa. In cooler regions, grow Strephonema pseudocola as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.