Grand Khaya Plant Care

Grand Khaya (Khaya grandifoliola) belongs to the Meliaceae family within the Khaya genus. Grand Khaya is native to Benin, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Sudan, Togo, and Uganda. Grand Khaya is also known as African Mahogany.

Grand Khaya displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Grand Khaya produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Grand Khaya 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.

Grand Khaya thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Khaya grandifoliola tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Grand Khaya prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Grand Khaya 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 compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Grand Khaya 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.

Grand Khaya 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 Grand Khaya 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.

Grand Khaya 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.

Grand Khaya can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Grand Khaya 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.

Grand Khaya grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Grand Khaya is native to Benin, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Sudan, Togo, and Uganda. In cooler regions, grow Grand Khaya as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.