Mexican Chicle Plant Care

Mexican Chicle (Chiangiodendron mexicanum) belongs to the Achariaceae family within the Chiangiodendron genus. Mexican Chicle is native to southern Mexico, Belize, and Costa Rica.

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

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mexican Chicle 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 Chicle thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Chiangiodendron mexicanum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Mexican Chicle prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. 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 Mexican Chicle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Mexican Chicle 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.

Mexican Chicle 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.

Mexican Chicle 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 Mexican Chicle 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 Chicle 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.

Mexican Chicle can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Mexican Chicle is susceptible to aphids, 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 Chicle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Mexican Chicle is native to southern Mexico, Belize, and Costa Rica. In cooler regions, grow Mexican Chicle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.