Carob (Ceratonia siliqua)
Care, watering, light and tips for Carob on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 14 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Carob
The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) is a medium-sized evergreen tree, recognized for its dark green compound leaves and edible pod-like fruits. Native to the Mediterranean region, its dense canopy and drought resistance make it ideal for low-maintenance gardens, xeriscape landscapes, or as a shade tree in warm areas.
Native range
Mediterranean region, especially the Eastern Mediterranean and Southwest Asia.
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal growth and good fruit production. It is extremely drought-tolerant once established, so watering should be sparse, especially in winter. It prefers well-drained soils, even poor or calcareous ones, and a common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Protect young specimens from severe frosts.
How to save a dying Carob
- Warning signs
- Yellow or fallen leaves, dry shoots, cracked bark. May indicate water stress or fungal disease.
- First aid
- Check soil drainage and moisture. Prune dry branches. If fungi are present, apply specific fungicide.
- What kills it
- Overwatering in heavy soils suffocates roots. Also prolonged lack of water during dry periods.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if caught early. It's a resilient tree, but needs good drainage and proper watering.