Rain Tree Plant Care

Rain Tree (Cojoba arborea) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Cojoba genus. Rain Tree is native to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America, southward to Ecuador in South America at elevations to 1,300 m (4,300 ft). Rain Tree is also known as Monkey Pod, Cojoba arborea.

Rain Tree displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Rain Tree produces small clusters of yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Rain 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.

Rain Tree thrives in full sun.

Cojoba arborea tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Rain Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added sand and perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Rain Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Rain Tree 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 and well-draining loamy soil with added sand and perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Rain Tree is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 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.

Rain Tree can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Rain 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.

Rain Tree 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.

Rain Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to red pod plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Rain Tree is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies. 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.

Rain Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Rain Tree is native to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America, southward to Ecuador in South America at elevations to 1,300 m (4,300 ft). In cooler regions, grow Rain Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.