Uvariodendron klainei Plant Care
Uvariodendron occidentalis Le Thomas
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its glossy, dark green leaves that are densely packed along its branches, this tropical tree originating from West Africa stands out in any collection. Plant collectors are drawn to Uvariodendron occidentalis for its unique growth habit, making it a prized addition for those looking to add a touch of exotic beauty to their indoor jungle.
Every 7–14 days
Partial shade to full sun
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Uvariodendron klainei?
Plant Uvariodendron klainei in partial shade to full sun (USDA zones 11a–12b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Uvariodendron klainei?
Uvariodendron klainei (Uvariodendron occidentalis) belongs to the Annonaceae family within the Uvariodendron genus. Uvariodendron klainei is native to West Africa. Uvariodendron klainei is also known as Uvariodendron kotschyi.
Uvariodendron klainei displays a tall tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Uvariodendron klainei produces small greenish-yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Uvariodendron klainei?
Water a young or newly planted Uvariodendron klainei 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Uvariodendron klainei Need?
Uvariodendron klainei thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Uvariodendron klainei Prefer?
Uvariodendron occidentalis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Uvariodendron klainei prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Uvariodendron klainei?
Rich, well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Uvariodendron klainei to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Uvariodendron klainei?
Feed Uvariodendron klainei 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Uvariodendron klainei?
Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and rich, well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Uvariodendron klainei is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Uvariodendron klainei?
Uvariodendron klainei can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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.
How Do You Prune a Uvariodendron klainei?
Prune Uvariodendron klainei 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.
How Do You Care for a Uvariodendron klainei in Winter?
Uvariodendron klainei is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Uvariodendron klainei?
Uvariodendron klainei can be propagated through seeds, air-layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african nutmeg plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Uvariodendron klainei Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Uvariodendron klainei, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Uvariodendron klainei?
Uvariodendron klainei is susceptible to 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Uvariodendron klainei Need?
Uvariodendron klainei grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Uvariodendron klainei is native to West Africa. In cooler regions, grow Uvariodendron klainei as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Uvariodendron klainei is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Uvariodendron genus — compare its care with other Uvariodendron species on PlantoScan.
Uvariodendron is part of the Annonaceae plant family — browse all Annonaceae genera and species.
Uvariodendron klainei thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Uvariodendron Species
Other Uvariodendron species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Uvariodendron occidentalis Le Thomas, family Annonaceae (first published in Adansonia ser. 2, 7(2): 251 1967) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Uvariodendron klainei, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
