Mountain Mahogany Plant Care

Mountain Mahogany (Entandrophragma caudatum) belongs to the Meliaceae family within the Entandrophragma genus. Mountain Mahogany is native to eastern and north eastern South Africa, Eswatini, Botswana, Angola, the Caprivi Strip region of Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. Mountain Mahogany is also known as Red Mahogany.

Mountain Mahogany displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 100 ft tall with a spread of approximately 50 ft. Mountain Mahogany produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mountain Mahogany 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.

Mountain Mahogany thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Entandrophragma caudatum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Mountain Mahogany prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with added compost and organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Mountain Mahogany to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Mountain Mahogany 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 rich, well-draining soil with added compost and organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mountain Mahogany is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

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.

Mountain Mahogany can spread to about 50 ft (15.2 m) and reach about 100 ft (30 m) tall. Space plants about 50 ft (15.2 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 Mountain Mahogany 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.

Mountain Mahogany 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.

Mountain Mahogany can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sapele plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Mountain Mahogany 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.

Mountain Mahogany grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Mountain Mahogany is native to eastern and north eastern South Africa, Eswatini, Botswana, Angola, the Caprivi Strip region of Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. In cooler regions, grow Mountain Mahogany as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.