Mahogany Plant Care

Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) belongs to the Meliaceae family within the Swietenia genus. Mahogany is native to South America, Mexico and Central America. Mahogany is also known as Big-leaf Mahogany, Honduran Mahogany, West Indian Mahogany.

Mahogany displays a tall, majestic tree growth habit, reaching up to 100 ft tall with a spread of approximately 50 ft. Mahogany produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mahogany 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.

Mahogany thrives in full sun.

Swietenia macrophylla tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Mahogany prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Mahogany 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 compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mahogany 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.

Mahogany can spread to about 50 ft (15.2 m) and reach about 100 ft (30 m) tall. Space plants about 50 ft (15.2 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 Mahogany 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.

Mahogany 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.

Mahogany can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pacific coast mahogany plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Mahogany 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.

Mahogany grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Mahogany is native to South America, Mexico and Central America. In cooler regions, grow Mahogany as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.