Xylotheca kraussiana Plant Care

Xylotheca kraussiana Hochst.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Xylotheca kraussiana is an African shrub or small multi-stemmed tree in the family Achariaceae. It grows in the sandveld and is widely distributed throughout the eastern parts of Southern Africa, in particular the eastern Transvaal, coastal Natal and Mozambique, preferring the sandy soils of coastal bush and forest.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Xylotheca kraussiana?

Plant Xylotheca kraussiana in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

What Is the Xylotheca kraussiana?

Xylotheca kraussiana (Xylotheca kraussiana) belongs to the Achariaceae family within the Xylotheca genus.

Xylotheca kraussiana displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Xylotheca kraussiana produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Xylotheca kraussiana?

Water a young or newly planted Xylotheca kraussiana 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 Xylotheca kraussiana Need?

Xylotheca kraussiana thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Xylotheca kraussiana Prefer?

Xylotheca kraussiana tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Xylotheca kraussiana prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Xylotheca kraussiana?

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Xylotheca kraussiana to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Xylotheca kraussiana?

Feed Xylotheca kraussiana 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 Xylotheca kraussiana?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Xylotheca kraussiana 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Xylotheca kraussiana?

Xylotheca kraussiana can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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.

How Do You Prune a Xylotheca kraussiana?

Prune Xylotheca kraussiana 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 Xylotheca kraussiana in Winter?

Xylotheca kraussiana 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.

How Do You Propagate a Xylotheca kraussiana?

Xylotheca kraussiana can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

Is the Xylotheca kraussiana Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Xylotheca kraussiana, 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 Xylotheca kraussiana?

Xylotheca kraussiana is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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 Xylotheca kraussiana Need?

Xylotheca kraussiana grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Xylotheca kraussiana as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Xylotheca kraussiana 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 Xylotheca genus — compare its care with other Xylotheca species on PlantoScan.

Xylotheca is part of the Achariaceae plant family — browse all Achariaceae genera and species.

Xylotheca kraussiana 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: Xylotheca kraussiana Hochst., family Achariaceae (first published in Flora 26: 69 (1843)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Xylotheca kraussiana, 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 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • 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.

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