Strychnos nux-blanda Plant Care

Strychnos nux-blanda (Strychnos nux-blanda) belongs to the Loganiaceae family within the Strychnos genus. Strychnos nux-blanda is native to Southeast Asia and Assam.

Strychnos nux-blanda displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Strychnos nux-blanda produces small, fragrant white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Strychnos nux-blanda 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.

Strychnos nux-blanda thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Strychnos nux-blanda to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Strychnos nux-blanda 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 sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Strychnos nux-blanda 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.

Strychnos nux-blanda can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 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 Strychnos nux-blanda 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.

Strychnos nux-blanda 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.

Strychnos nux-blanda can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to icaco plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Strychnos nux-blanda 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.

Strychnos nux-blanda grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Strychnos nux-blanda is native to Southeast Asia and Assam. In cooler regions, grow Strychnos nux-blanda as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.