Cape Mahogany Plant Care

Cape Mahogany (Trichilia dregeana) belongs to the Meliaceae family within the Trichilia genus. Cape Mahogany is native to forest areas from the Eastern Cape of South Africa to Tropical Africa. Cape Mahogany is also known as Natal Mahogany, Wild Mahogany.

Cape Mahogany displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Cape Mahogany produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cape 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.

Cape Mahogany thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Trichilia dregeana tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Cape 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 Cape Mahogany to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cape 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 to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cape Mahogany 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.

Cape Mahogany 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 Cape 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.

Cape 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.

Cape Mahogany can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Cape Mahogany 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.

Cape Mahogany grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Cape Mahogany is native to forest areas from the Eastern Cape of South Africa to Tropical Africa. In cooler regions, grow Cape Mahogany as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.