Iboga Plant Care

Iboga (Tabernanthe iboga) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Tabernanthe genus. Iboga is native to Central Africa.

Iboga displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Iboga produces small, tubular white flowers with a sweet fragrance.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Iboga every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Iboga thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Iboga in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Tabernanthe iboga tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Iboga prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Iboga to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Iboga every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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 bright indirect light and well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Iboga is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Iboga can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune Iboga 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 shrub in one year.

Iboga 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.

Iboga can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.

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

Iboga is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Iboga grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Iboga is native to Central Africa. In cooler regions, grow Iboga as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.