Monkey Orange Plant Care

Monkey Orange (Strychnos spinosa) belongs to the Loganiaceae family within the Strychnos genus. Monkey Orange is native to tropical and subtropical Africa. Monkey Orange is also known as Spiny Monkey Orange, Natal Orange.

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

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Monkey Orange 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.

Monkey Orange thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Strychnos spinosa tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Monkey Orange 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 Monkey Orange to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Monkey Orange 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.

Monkey Orange is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 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.

Monkey Orange 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 Monkey Orange 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.

Monkey Orange 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.

Monkey Orange 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.

Monkey Orange 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.

Monkey Orange grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Monkey Orange is native to tropical and subtropical Africa. In cooler regions, grow Monkey Orange as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.