Kola nut (Cola nitida)
Care, watering, light and tips for Kola nut on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Malvaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Kola nut
Cola nitida, commonly known as kola tree or kolatier, is a perennial tropical tree native to West Africa, renowned for its caffeine-rich seeds. It grows 15-20 meters tall, featuring a straight trunk and a dense canopy of oval, glossy leaves. It is ideal for large tropical gardens, serving as a shade tree or an ornamental specimen due to its lush foliage.
Native range
Tropical West Africa
Care tips
It requires full sun to partial shade and a warm, humid climate, with temperatures above 20°C (68°F). Watering should be abundant and regular, keeping the substrate consistently moist but well-drained, especially during the dry season. It prefers deep, well-draining soils rich in organic matter, ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. A common mistake is insufficient ambient humidity and waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Kola nut
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or wilting leaves, premature leaf drop, soft and blackened stems.
- First aid
- Check drainage. If waterlogged, carefully remove, aerate roots, repot in dry substrate. Prune affected parts.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is fatal. Also lack of humidity or very low temperatures.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. Look for new growth after correcting the issue.