Hymenaea martiana Plant Care

Hymenaea martiana (Hymenaea martiana) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Hymenaea genus. Hymenaea martiana is native to Brazil and Paraguay.

Hymenaea martiana displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Hymenaea martiana produces small fragrant yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Hymenaea martiana 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.

Hymenaea martiana thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Hymenaea martiana tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Hymenaea martiana 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 nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Hymenaea martiana to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Hymenaea martiana 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 nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Hymenaea martiana 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.

Hymenaea martiana can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 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 Hymenaea martiana 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.

Hymenaea martiana 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.

Hymenaea martiana can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to west indian locust plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Hymenaea martiana 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.

Hymenaea martiana grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Hymenaea martiana is native to Brazil and Paraguay. In cooler regions, grow Hymenaea martiana as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.