Spanish Cedar
cedrela odorata
Also known as: ["Cedro Real","Cedro Macho","True Cedar"]
Overview
A large deciduous tree native to Central and South America, valued for its lightweight, aromatic wood and ornamental foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["fast growing","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Meliaceae |
| Genus: | Cedrela |
| Botanical Name: | Cedrela odorata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in tropical or subtropical regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to remove dead/damaged growth; light pruning can be done throughout the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary, but avoid heavy pruning unless required.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some protection from intense midday sun in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight to avoid scorching; provide shade during peak summer heat; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently 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, fertile loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils, ensure pots have drainage holes, amend with organic matter for better structure.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures, ideally 70–85°F (21–29°C); tolerates seasonal fluctuations but avoids prolonged exposure to extreme cold or heat.
Monitor temperature changes, protect from drafts, adjust watering based on heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilizing which can burn roots; 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 a healthy cutting, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots to form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a node or branch junction; remove crossing or crowded branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased wood.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy or active growth, remove dead/diseased wood, shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot; beneficial for root health and growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot with drainage, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water 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, apply until water drains freely from the pot, ensure even moisture without waterlogging, water early in the morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage, incorporate compost for fertility, ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or wilting during extreme temperature shifts.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback; prolonged exposure can lead to frost damage or death.
Solution: Protect from frost with frost cloth or move indoors; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced growth due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, use diluted fertilizer, avoid winter feeding, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCedrela odorata is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion of any part of this plant by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicCedrela odorata is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion of any part of this plant by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCedrela odorata is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with the consumption of any part of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cedrela odorata suitable for small gardens?
A: No, it is a large tree and requires ample space to grow.
Q: Does Spanish Cedar attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it produces fragrant flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: Is the wood of Cedrela odorata valuable?
A: Yes, its lightweight, aromatic wood is highly prized for furniture and construction.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Meliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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