Monkey Pot Plant Care

Monkey Pot (Lecythis lanceolata) belongs to the Lecythidaceae family within the Lecythis genus. Monkey Pot is native to the Atlantic Forest ecoregion in southeast Brazil.

Monkey Pot displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Monkey Pot produces large showy flowers with unique shape and color.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Monkey Pot 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.

Monkey Pot thrives in partial to full sun.

Lecythis lanceolata tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Monkey Pot prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Monkey Pot to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Monkey Pot 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 partial to full sun and well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Monkey Pot 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.

Monkey Pot 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 Monkey Pot 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.

Monkey Pot 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.

Monkey Pot can be propagated through seeds, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lecythis ampla plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Monkey Pot 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.

Monkey Pot grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Monkey Pot is native to the Atlantic Forest ecoregion in southeast Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Monkey Pot as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.