Rauvolfia caffra
Rauvolfia caffra · Apocynaceae
📷 Purves, M. · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant rauvolfia caffra: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring to early summer, white or pink flowers in clusters
- Adult size
- 5 to 8 m tall
- Growth
- Moderate to slow
- Hardiness
- Tropical plant, warm climate (minimum 18-25°C)
- Origin
- Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana)
- Soil type
- Well-draining, rich in organic matter
Care
Light
Place your Rauvolfia caffra in bright, indirect light; it tolerates partial shade but prefers bright locations. Avoid scorching afternoon sun in very hot climates. Indoors, keep it near an east or west-facing window.
Watering
Water regularly during growth (spring-summer), letting the substrate surface dry slightly between waterings. In winter, reduce watering without letting the soil dry out completely. Avoid standing water, which causes root rot.
Soil and repotting
Use rich, well-draining potting mix combined with some sand or perlite. Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring into a slightly larger pot. Ensure good drainage with a layer of clay pellets at the bottom.
Fertilizer
Feed your tree with balanced, diluted fertilizer every 15 days during the growing season (April to September). Stop feeding in winter. A fertilizer slightly higher in potassium will encourage flowering.
Pruning and shaping
Prune lightly in late winter to balance the silhouette and remove dead or misplaced branches. Rauvolfia caffra tolerates gentle pruning but prefers to grow naturally. Pinch young shoots if you want to increase branching density.
Diseases and pests
Watch for mealybugs and spider mites in dry air, especially indoors. Regular misting strengthens resistance. In case of infestation, treat with diluted black soap. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Did you know?
Rauvolfia caffra, also called "Quinine bush" or "Quantanamine," has been used for centuries in traditional African medicine. The root of certain Rauvolfia species provided valuable alkaloids to modern pharmacology, notably reserpine, discovered in the 20th century and revolutionary in treating hypertension.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.