Mexican Hand Tree Plant Care

Mexican Hand Tree (Astrotrichilia elegans) belongs to the Meliaceae family within the Astrotrichilia genus. Mexican Hand Tree is native to Madagascar. Mexican Hand Tree is also known as Palo Blanco.

Mexican Hand Tree displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Mexican Hand Tree produces small white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mexican Hand Tree 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.

Mexican Hand Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Astrotrichilia elegans tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Mexican Hand Tree prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with added compost and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Mexican Hand Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Mexican Hand Tree 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil with added compost and peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mexican Hand Tree is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Mexican Hand Tree can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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.

Prune Mexican Hand Tree 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.

Mexican Hand Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Mexican Hand Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Mexican Hand Tree is susceptible to 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.

Mexican Hand Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Mexican Hand Tree is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Mexican Hand Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.