Chilean Mesquite Plant Care

Chilean Mesquite (Prosopis chilensis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Prosopis genus. Chilean Mesquite is native to parts of central Chile, southern Peru, Bolivia, and Andean (northwestern) Argentina. Chilean Mesquite is also known as Algarrobo, Ceratonia chilensis.

Chilean Mesquite displays a large spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 40 ft. Chilean Mesquite produces small yellow-green flowers in elongated clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chilean Mesquite every 14–21 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.

Chilean Mesquite thrives in full sun.

Prosopis chilensis tolerates temperatures of 50–95°F. Chilean Mesquite prefers humidity levels of 10–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Chilean Mesquite to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chilean Mesquite every 8 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 sandy soil mix with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chilean Mesquite is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Chilean Mesquite can spread to about 40 ft (12.2 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 40 ft (12.2 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 Chilean Mesquite 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.

Chilean Mesquite is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chilean Mesquite can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to khejri plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Chilean Mesquite is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, pod gall midges. 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.

Chilean Mesquite grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Chilean Mesquite is native to parts of central Chile, southern Peru, Bolivia, and Andean (northwestern) Argentina. In cooler regions, grow Chilean Mesquite as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.