Ziziphus talanai Plant Care
Ziziphus talanai Merr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ziziphus talanae, the balakat, aligamen, or talanai, is a species of tree in the family Rhamnaceae.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
50–90°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Ziziphus talanai?
Plant Ziziphus talanai in full sun (USDA zones 12a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Ziziphus talanai?
Ziziphus talanai (Ziziphus talanai) belongs to the Rhamnaceae family within the Ziziphus genus.
Ziziphus talanai displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 25 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Ziziphus talanai produces small yellow-green flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ziziphus talanai?
Water a young or newly planted Ziziphus talanai 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 Ziziphus talanai Need?
Ziziphus talanai thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ziziphus talanai Prefer?
Ziziphus talanai tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Ziziphus talanai prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ziziphus talanai?
Well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Ziziphus talanai to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ziziphus talanai?
Feed Ziziphus talanai 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.
Fertilizing
Every 8 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 Ziziphus talanai?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Ziziphus talanai 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Ziziphus talanai?
Ziziphus talanai 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.
How Do You Prune a Ziziphus talanai?
Prune Ziziphus talanai 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 Ziziphus talanai in Winter?
Ziziphus talanai 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.
How Do You Propagate a Ziziphus talanai?
Ziziphus talanai can be propagated through seeds, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to buddha's date plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ziziphus talanai Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ziziphus talanai, 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 Ziziphus talanai?
Ziziphus talanai 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Ziziphus talanai Need?
Ziziphus talanai grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Ziziphus talanai as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Ziziphus talanai 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 Ziziphus genus — compare its care with other Ziziphus species on PlantoScan.
Ziziphus is part of the Rhamnaceae plant family — browse all Rhamnaceae genera and species.
Ziziphus talanai thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ziziphus Species
Other Ziziphus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ziziphus talanai Merr., family Rhamnaceae (first published in Sp. Blancoan. : 244 (1918)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ziziphus talanai, 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 12a, 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.
