Santa Maria Plant Care

Santa Maria (Calophyllum brasiliense) belongs to the Calophyllaceae family within the Calophyllum genus. Santa Maria is native to subtropical and tropical regions of Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Santa Maria is also known as Jacareúba, Balsamwood.

Santa Maria displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Santa Maria produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Santa Maria 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.

Santa Maria thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Calophyllum brasiliense tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Santa Maria prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Santa Maria to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Santa Maria 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 well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Santa Maria 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.

Santa Maria 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.

Prune Santa Maria 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.

Santa Maria 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.

Santa Maria can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Santa Maria is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. 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.

Santa Maria grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Santa Maria is native to subtropical and tropical regions of Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. In cooler regions, grow Santa Maria as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.