Brazilian cedar Plant Care

Brazilian cedar (Preussiodora sulphurea) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Preussiodora genus. Brazilian cedar is native to central Africa. Brazilian cedar is also known as Cedro-arariboia.

Brazilian cedar displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Brazilian cedar produces small, white fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Brazilian cedar every 7–10 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.

Brazilian cedar thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Brazilian cedar in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Preussiodora sulphurea tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Brazilian cedar prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Loamy, well-draining soil with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Brazilian cedar to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Brazilian cedar 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 bright indirect light and loamy, well-draining soil with added peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Brazilian cedar is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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.

Brazilian cedar can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 Brazilian cedar 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.

Brazilian cedar is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Brazilian cedar can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Brazilian cedar is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Brazilian cedar grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Brazilian cedar is native to central Africa. In cooler regions, grow Brazilian cedar as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.