Jojoba
simmondsia chinensis
Also known as: ["Witney nut","Goat nut"]
Overview
A drought-tolerant shrub native to the Sonoran and Mojave deserts, known for its unique liquid wax esters in seeds.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Huerteales |
| Family: | Simmondsiaceae |
| Genus: | Simmondsia |
| Botanical Name: | Simmondsia chinensis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: arid or semi-arid regions, rock gardens, or as a container plant in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–45°C, tolerates mild frost but prefers warmth"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required; only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually or every 2–3 years, or as needed to maintain shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Adjust to partial shade in extreme heat to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; place in a spot with unobstructed light but some afternoon shade if grown in very hot climates.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Use a light meter to gauge intensity; rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during peak summer heat.
Watering
every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings
Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure soil dries fully between waterings, and reduce frequency in winter.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with low organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; amend with grit for better drainage.
Temperature
Warm temperatures (65–85°F / 18–29°C). Tolerates brief dips to 20°F (-6°C) but thrives in warmth.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength
Fertilize only when actively growing; use a balanced formula; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed. Stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting, let it callus for a few days, dip in rooting hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and humid, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F / 21–27°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; new growth may take 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, sterile tools; ensure cuttings are taken from healthy stems; maintain humidity until roots form.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of branches to shape the plant, remove deadwood, and promote airflow.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased growth. Prune after flowering or in early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune dead/diseased growth, shape the plant, remove crossing branches, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot) or +2–3 cm in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, ensure good drainage, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot with drainage, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, reduce winter watering, avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply slowly to avoid runoff, ensure water penetrates deeply, water in the morning, and ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 4–6 weeks, depending on conditions.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges in extreme cold; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop, and can lead to root rot if soil remains wet in cold conditions.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, protect from drafts, ensure soil dries quickly, and cover with frost cloth if temperatures drop below freezing.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, growth may slow, and water demand increases, leading to wilting if not watered adequately.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat, increase watering frequency, and ensure good air circulation to reduce heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, avoid winter feeding, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicJojoba is not considered toxic to cats. The plant and its extracts are used in some feline grooming products and are generally well-tolerated.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicJojoba is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant and its extracts are often used in pet care products, such as shampoos and conditioners, without adverse effects.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicSimmondsia chinensis, commonly known as jojoba, is not considered toxic to humans. The plant and its extracts are widely used in cosmetics and personal care products due to their non-toxic and beneficial properties.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is jojoba oil derived from this plant?
A: Yes, jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis and is used in cosmetics and skincare.
Q: Can jojoba be grown in non-desert climates?
A: Jojoba prefers arid conditions but can be grown in other climates with well-drained soil and full sun.
Q: Is jojoba a fast-growing plant?
A: No, jojoba is a slow-growing shrub that can take several years to reach maturity.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Simmondsiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 2–3 weeks, allowing so |
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