Cannonball Tree Plant Care

Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis) belongs to the Lecythidaceae family within the Couroupita genus. Cannonball Tree is native to lowland tropical rainforests of Central and South America, from Costa Rica, south to Brazil and northern Bolivia and. Cannonball Tree is also known as Aboma, Christmas Cannon Ball, Monkey Pot.

Cannonball Tree displays a large canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 40 ft. Cannonball Tree produces large, fragrant, pink or red flowers with a unique shape.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cannonball Tree 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.

Cannonball Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Couroupita guianensis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Cannonball Tree prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Cannonball Tree 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 loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cannonball Tree 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.

Cannonball Tree can spread to about 40 ft (12.2 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 m) tall. Space plants about 40 ft (12.2 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 Cannonball Tree 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.

Cannonball Tree 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.

Cannonball Tree can be propagated through seeds, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cannonball tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Cannonball Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

Cannonball Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Cannonball Tree is native to lowland tropical rainforests of Central and South America, from Costa Rica, south to Brazil and northern Bolivia and. In cooler regions, grow Cannonball Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.