Vepris glaberrima Plant Care

Vepris glaberrima (Vepris glaberrima) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Vepris genus. Vepris glaberrima is native to Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo and Gabon.

Vepris glaberrima displays an upright, bushy tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Vepris glaberrima produces small white fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Vepris glaberrima 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.

Vepris glaberrima thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Vepris glaberrima tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Vepris glaberrima prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added sand and organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Vepris glaberrima to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Vepris glaberrima 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 loamy soil with added sand and organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Vepris glaberrima is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Vepris glaberrima can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Vepris glaberrima 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.

Vepris glaberrima 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.

Vepris glaberrima can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to vepris allenii plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Vepris glaberrima is susceptible to citrus leaf miner, aphids, 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.

Vepris glaberrima grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Vepris glaberrima is native to Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo and Gabon. In cooler regions, grow Vepris glaberrima as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.