Cuban Mahogany
swietenia mahagoni
Also known as: ["Cuban Mahogany","Spanish Mahogany","Cuban Red Mahogany"]
Overview
A large, evergreen tree native to the Caribbean, known for its valuable timber and ornamental foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Meliaceae |
| Genus: | Swietenia |
| Botanical Name: | Swietenia mahagoni |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in tropical or subtropical regions, or as a large indoor container plant with ample light
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand; can include compost for fertility.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, though young plants benefit from some afternoon shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to direct sun gradually over 1–2 weeks; protect from intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight; move outdoor plants to shaded areas during peak summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering especially in cooler months.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; topdress with compost annually.
Temperature
Thrives in warm conditions, ideal range 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates brief dips to 50°F (10°C) but prefers stable warmth.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or air vents; maintain consistent room temperature; protect from sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to half strength to avoid burn; apply to moist soil to prevent root shock; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F), high humidity (70–80%), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or water propagation for cuttings.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seed germination can take 1–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic wrap or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches, heading back to encourage denser growth.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead/diseased growth, encourage bushier growth, maintain size.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape evenly, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for young, rapidly growing plants.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensure water penetrates deeply to reach the root ball, allow excess water to drain completely, water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for nutrients; use a cactus or succulent mix as a base.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in cold stress; wilting or leaf scorch in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts; leaves may yellow or drop; risk of frost damage in prolonged cold.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect with frost cloth in cold snaps; avoid watering until temperatures rise.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; soil dries out faster, increasing water stress.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, use diluted fertilizer, apply to moist soil, rinse pot periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSimilar to dogs, ingestion of the seeds or bark of Swietenia mahagoni can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats. The toxicity level is low, but monitoring is recommended.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe seeds and bark of Swietenia mahagoni contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested. The toxicity is generally low, but caution is advised.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Non-toxicSwietenia mahagoni, commonly known as West Indian mahogany, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of its seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of saponins.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Swietenia mahagoni toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: What are the primary uses of Cuban Mahogany?
A: It is prized for its durable timber and used in furniture making, as well as for ornamental landscaping.
Q: How tall does Swietenia mahagoni grow?
A: It can reach heights of 50–80 feet, making it a large tree suitable for spacious landscapes.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Meliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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