Brazil Nut Plant Care

Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa) belongs to the Lecythidaceae family within the Bertholletia genus. Brazil Nut is also known as Brazil Nut Tree.

Brazil Nut displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 100 ft tall with a spread of approximately 50 ft. Brazil Nut produces large white flowers with a tubular shape.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Brazil Nut 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.

Brazil Nut thrives in full sun.

Bertholletia excelsa tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Brazil Nut prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Brazil Nut to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Brazil Nut 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 and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Brazil Nut 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.

Brazil Nut can spread to about 50 ft (15.2 m) and reach about 100 ft (30 m) tall. Space plants about 50 ft (15.2 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 Brazil Nut 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.

Brazil Nut 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.

Brazil Nut can be propagated through seeds.

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

Brazil Nut is susceptible to scale insects, caterpillars, leaf-cutting ants. 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.

Brazil Nut grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Brazil Nut as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.