Banana Cedar Plant Care

Banana Cedar (Cedrelinga cateniformis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Cedrelinga genus. Banana Cedar is native to South America. Banana Cedar is also known as Cabrúna, Shimbillo.

Banana Cedar displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Banana Cedar produces small clusters of yellow or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Banana Cedar 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.

Banana Cedar thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Cedrelinga cateniformis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Banana Cedar prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Banana Cedar to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Banana Cedar every 8 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 loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Banana Cedar 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.

Banana Cedar can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 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 Banana Cedar 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.

Banana Cedar 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.

Banana Cedar can be propagated through seeds, grafting.

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

Banana Cedar is susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, 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.

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