Monkeypod Plant Care

Monkeypod (Samanea saman) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Samanea genus. Monkeypod is native to Central and South America. Monkeypod is also known as Raintree, East Indian Walnut, Giant Bean.

Monkeypod displays a large canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 80 ft tall with a spread of approximately 60 ft. Monkeypod produces showy clusters of pink or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Monkeypod 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.

Monkeypod thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Samanea saman tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Monkeypod prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Monkeypod to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Monkeypod 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 rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Monkeypod 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.

Monkeypod can spread to about 60 ft (18.3 m) and reach about 80 ft (24 m) tall. Space plants about 60 ft (18.3 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 Monkeypod 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.

Monkeypod 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.

Monkeypod can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Monkeypod 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.

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