Ziziphus forbesii Plant Care

Ziziphus forbesii (Ziziphus forbesii) belongs to the Rhamnaceae family within the Ziziphus genus.

Ziziphus forbesii displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 25 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Ziziphus forbesii produces small yellow-green flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Ziziphus forbesii 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.

Ziziphus forbesii thrives in full sun.

Ziziphus forbesii tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Ziziphus forbesii prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Ziziphus forbesii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Ziziphus forbesii 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 and well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Ziziphus forbesii is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Ziziphus forbesii can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 25 ft (8 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.

Prune Ziziphus forbesii 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.

Ziziphus forbesii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Ziziphus forbesii can be propagated through seeds, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to buddha's date plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Ziziphus forbesii is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, fruit flies. 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.

Ziziphus forbesii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Ziziphus forbesii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.