Photo: William StephensCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Mulanje Cedar Plant Care
Widdringtonia whytei Rendle
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This eye-catching coniferous tree is easily recognized by its striking blue-green foliage that grows in dense spirals. Originating from the misty forests of South Africa, Widdringtonia whytei is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique coloration and compact, ornamental shape.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Mulanje Cedar?
Plant Mulanje Cedar in full sun (USDA zones 9b–11b) and water a young tree every 14–21 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C).
Where Is the Mulanje Cedar Native To?
What Is the Mulanje Cedar?
Mulanje Cedar (Widdringtonia whytei) belongs to the Cupressaceae family within the Widdringtonia genus. Mulanje Cedar is native to Malawi. Mulanje Cedar is also known as Clanwilliam Cedar.
Mulanje Cedar displays a tall, conical tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Mulanje Cedar produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mulanje Cedar?
Water a young or newly planted Mulanje Cedar every 14–21 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 14–21 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Mulanje Cedar Need?
Mulanje Cedar thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mulanje Cedar Prefer?
Widdringtonia whytei tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Mulanje Cedar prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mulanje Cedar?
Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Mulanje Cedar to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
Where Should You Plant a Mulanje Cedar?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Mulanje Cedar 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Mulanje Cedar?
Mulanje Cedar can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 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 Mulanje Cedar?
Prune Mulanje Cedar 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 Mulanje Cedar in Winter?
Mulanje Cedar 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.
How Do You Propagate a Mulanje Cedar?
Mulanje Cedar can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mountain pine plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Mulanje Cedar Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mulanje Cedar, 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 Mulanje Cedar?
Mulanje Cedar is susceptible to spider mites, aphids. 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 Mulanje Cedar Need?
Mulanje Cedar grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Mulanje Cedar is native to Malawi. In cooler regions, grow Mulanje Cedar as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Mulanje Cedar 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 Widdringtonia genus — compare its care with other Widdringtonia species on PlantoScan.
Widdringtonia is part of the Cupressaceae plant family — browse all Cupressaceae genera and species.
Mulanje Cedar thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Widdringtonia whytei Rendle, family Cupressaceae (first published in Trans. Linn. Soc. London, Bot. 4: 60 (1894)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mulanje Cedar, 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.
- Photo: William Stephens, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Mulanje Cedar Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species