Pau Brasil Plant Care

Pau Brasil (Paubrasilia echinata) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Paubrasilia genus. Pau Brasil is native to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Pau Brasil is also known as Brazilwood, Pau-brasil.

Pau Brasil displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Pau Brasil produces small, fragrant pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pau Brasil 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.

Pau Brasil thrives in full sun.

Paubrasilia echinata tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Pau Brasil prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Pau Brasil to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Pau Brasil 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 well-draining sandy soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pau Brasil 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.

Pau Brasil 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 Pau Brasil 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.

Pau Brasil 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.

Pau Brasil can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Pau Brasil is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, scale insects. 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.

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