Ear Pod Tree Plant Care

Ear Pod Tree (Enterolobium contortisiliquum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Enterolobium genus. Ear Pod Tree is also known as Monkey Ear Tree, Timbó.

Ear Pod Tree displays a large spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 40 ft. Ear Pod Tree produces small white or cream-colored flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Ear Pod 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.

Ear Pod Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Enterolobium contortisiliquum tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Ear Pod Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Ear Pod Tree 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.

Ear Pod Tree is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Ear Pod Tree can spread to about 40 ft (12.2 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 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 Ear Pod 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.

Ear Pod Tree 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.

Ear Pod Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to transactions of the linnean society of london plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Ear Pod Tree is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, 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.

Ear Pod Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Ear Pod Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.