Pongamia macrophylla Plant Care

Pongamia macrophylla (Pongamia macrophylla) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Pongamia genus. Pongamia macrophylla is native to the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

Pongamia macrophylla displays a medium-sized tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 25 ft. Pongamia macrophylla produces small white to pink fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pongamia macrophylla 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.

Pongamia macrophylla thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Pongamia macrophylla tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Pongamia macrophylla prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Pongamia macrophylla 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 mix with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pongamia macrophylla 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.

Pongamia macrophylla can spread to about 25 ft (7.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 25 ft (7.6 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 Pongamia macrophylla 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.

Pongamia macrophylla 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.

Pongamia macrophylla can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to indian beech plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Pongamia macrophylla 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.

Pongamia macrophylla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Pongamia macrophylla is native to the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. In cooler regions, grow Pongamia macrophylla as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.