African Copal Plant Care

African Copal (Vateria copallifera) belongs to the Dipterocarpaceae family within the Vateria genus. African Copal is native to Sri Lanka. African Copal is also known as Copal Tree.

African Copal displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 100 ft tall with a spread of approximately 50 ft. African Copal produces small white or cream-colored flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African Copal 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.

African Copal thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Vateria copallifera tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. African Copal prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for African Copal to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African Copal every 8 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 loamy soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African Copal 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.

African Copal can spread to about 50 ft (15.2 m) and reach about 100 ft (30 m) tall. Space plants about 50 ft (15.2 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 African Copal 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.

African Copal 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.

African Copal can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to indian copal tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African Copal is susceptible to powdery mildew, scale insects, leaf miners. 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.

African Copal grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. African Copal is native to Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow African Copal as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.