Brazillian Mahogany Plant Care
Astronium gardneri Mattick
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Astronium gardneri, also known as the "Silver Leaf Tree," stands out for its striking silver-green leaves that shimmer in the sunlight. This tree is native to tropical regions and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its unique foliage and elegant growth habit.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Brazillian Mahogany?
Plant Brazillian Mahogany in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 10b–12b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Brazillian Mahogany?
Brazillian Mahogany (Astronium gardneri) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Astronium genus. Brazillian Mahogany is native to Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador. Brazillian Mahogany is also known as Amendoim.
Brazillian Mahogany displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Brazillian Mahogany produces small clusters of greenish-white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Brazillian Mahogany?
Water a young or newly planted Brazillian Mahogany every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Brazillian Mahogany Need?
Brazillian Mahogany thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Brazillian Mahogany Prefer?
Astronium gardneri tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Brazillian Mahogany prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Brazillian Mahogany?
Well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Brazillian Mahogany to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Brazillian Mahogany?
Feed Brazillian Mahogany every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Brazillian Mahogany?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Brazillian Mahogany is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Brazillian Mahogany?
Brazillian Mahogany can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Brazillian Mahogany?
Prune Brazillian Mahogany while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Brazillian Mahogany in Winter?
Brazillian Mahogany is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Brazillian Mahogany?
Brazillian Mahogany can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to brazillian mahogany plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Brazillian Mahogany Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Brazillian Mahogany, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Brazillian Mahogany?
Brazillian Mahogany is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Brazillian Mahogany Need?
Brazillian Mahogany grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Brazillian Mahogany is native to Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Brazillian Mahogany as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Brazillian Mahogany is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Astronium genus — compare its care with other Astronium species on PlantoScan.
Astronium is part of the Anacardiaceae plant family — browse all Anacardiaceae genera and species.
Brazillian Mahogany thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Astronium gardneri Mattick, family Anacardiaceae (first published in Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem 11: 1007 (1934)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Brazillian Mahogany, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
