Lemonwood Plant Care

Lemonwood (Xymalos monospora) belongs to the Monimiaceae family within the Xymalos genus. Lemonwood is native to Africa, the only species in the genus Xymalos.

Lemonwood displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Lemonwood produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Lemonwood 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.

Lemonwood thrives in partial to full sun.

Xymalos monospora tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Lemonwood prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Lemonwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Lemonwood 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 partial to full sun and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Lemonwood 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.

Lemonwood can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Lemonwood 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.

Lemonwood 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.

Lemonwood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Lemonwood 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.

Lemonwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Lemonwood is native to Africa, the only species in the genus Xymalos. In cooler regions, grow Lemonwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.