Cola cordifolia — an easy houseplant, prefers partial sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Cola cordifolia

Cola Cordifolia

Updated · 29 observations
ON THIS PLANT
A note from PlantMom

Mandingo cola displays strong resistance to disease and is typically not vulnerable to illnesses. As for upkeep, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only light watering, and larger specimens usually don’t require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be trimmed after they finish blooming. Mandingo colat is well suited for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand extensive gardening experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Cola Cordifolia.

Light

Mandingo cola occurs naturally in habitats such as forest understories and rocky areas, where it is subject to natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, illustrating its versatile and hardy nature.

Water

Mandingo cola thrives in humid tropical climates, where it benefits from consistent moisture and displays a moderate tolerance to drought. When grown outdoors, it requires weekly watering to take full advantage of natural rainfall. Its strong root system efficiently uses water, making it well-suited for regions with occasional rains.

Temperature

Mandingo cola comes from tropical areas, where the climate is generally warm and humid. As a result, it is well suited to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate sudden temperature changes and prefers a stable thermal environment, so avoiding temperature fluctuations indoors is important. It typically cannot withstand cold temperatures and needs higher temperatures to grow. If the surrounding temperature drops too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Fertilizer

Fertilizing is essential for the care of Mandingo cola. Regular feeding during the growing season keeps up the energy needed for its attractive foliage and supports overall growth. Skipping fertilization can cause poor leaf health, reduced ornamental value, and stunted or weak growth that is prone to breaking.

Pruning

For optimal growth, Mandingo cola plants benefit from pruning in early spring. This encourages healthier foliage and results in a bushier shape. Key techniques involve removing dead wood, thinning out overcrowded areas, and enhancing air circulation. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools for precise cuts, which aid in quicker healing and improve the plant's overall health.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Cola
Family
Malvaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
14.94 m to 24.99 m
Mature Spread
10.06 m to 14.94 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Forest Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Size
1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Fall, Early winter, Mid winter
Native Area
Mali, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Guinea, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Central African Republic
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Mandingo cola en Wild cola
PLATES
Cola cordifolia leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Cola cordifolia leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Cola cordifolia flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Cola cordifolia flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Cola cordifolia fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Cola cordifolia bark
PLATE 06 · bark
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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