Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Jojoba on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Simmondsiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 14 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Jojoba
Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) is an evergreen perennial shrub native to the desert regions of North America. Valued for its oil-rich seeds, it has a dense, branching habit that makes it ideal for hedges or as a resilient ornamental plant in low-maintenance and xeriscape gardens.
Native range
Sonoran, Mojave, and Baja California deserts (southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico)
Care tips
Jojoba requires full sun for optimal growth and good seed production. Watering should be sparse once established, as it is extremely drought-tolerant and overwatering can be detrimental. It prefers well-drained, sandy or rocky soils, and it is crucial to avoid waterlogging, which is its main enemy.
How to save a dying Jojoba
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or whitish leaves, dry tips. Leaf drop. Soft or dry stems.
- First aid
- Check drainage. If overwatered, repot to dry, porous soil. If dry, water deeply.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (root rot) or poor drainage. Also lack of direct sunlight.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted or stems fully dry. Act quickly.