Photo: Sagnik Dutta RoyCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Indian Red Wood Plant Care
Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its glossy, dark green leaves arranged in opposite pairs, this plant originating from Southeast Asia is a stunning addition to any collection. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique leaf shape and beautiful symmetry, making it a sought-after species for its ornamental value.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Indian Red Wood?
Plant Indian Red Wood in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 10a–12b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Indian Red Wood Native To?
What Is the Indian Red Wood?
Indian Red Wood (Chukrasia tabularis) belongs to the Meliaceae family within the Chukrasia genus. Indian Red Wood is native to the Andaman Islands, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. Indian Red Wood is also known as Chukrasia, Bastard Mahogany, Yoma.
Indian Red Wood displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Indian Red Wood produces small white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Indian Red Wood?
Water a young or newly planted Indian Red Wood 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Indian Red Wood Need?
Indian Red Wood thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Indian Red Wood Prefer?
Chukrasia tabularis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Indian Red Wood prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Indian Red Wood?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Indian Red Wood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Indian Red Wood?
Feed Indian Red Wood 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Indian Red Wood?
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.
Indian Red Wood is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Indian Red Wood?
Indian Red Wood 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.
How Do You Prune a Indian Red Wood?
Prune Indian Red Wood 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.
How Do You Care for a Indian Red Wood in Winter?
Indian Red Wood 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.
How Do You Propagate a Indian Red Wood?
Indian Red Wood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Indian Red Wood Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Indian Red Wood, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Indian Red Wood?
Indian Red Wood is susceptible to 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Indian Red Wood Need?
Indian Red Wood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Indian Red Wood is native to the Andaman Islands, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Indian Red Wood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Indian Red Wood is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Chukrasia genus — compare its care with other Chukrasia species on PlantoScan.
Chukrasia is part of the Meliaceae plant family — browse all Meliaceae genera and species.
Indian Red Wood thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss., family Meliaceae (first published in Bull. Sci. Nat. Géol. 23: 241 (1830)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Indian Red Wood, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Sagnik Dutta Roy, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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