Tahitian Chestnut Plant Care

Tahitian Chestnut (Inocarpus fagifer) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Inocarpus genus. Tahitian Chestnut is also known as Polynesian Chestnut, Otaheite Chestnut, Pacific Chestnut.

Tahitian Chestnut displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Tahitian Chestnut produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Tahitian Chestnut 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.

Tahitian Chestnut thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Inocarpus fagifer tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Tahitian Chestnut prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Tahitian Chestnut to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Tahitian Chestnut 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 sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Tahitian Chestnut is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Tahitian Chestnut can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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 Tahitian Chestnut 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.

Tahitian Chestnut 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.

Tahitian Chestnut can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Tahitian Chestnut is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, scale insects. 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.

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