Hawaiian Monkey Pod Tree (Live Seedling)

$5.55

A small seedling sprouting from a grow sponge in a small food safe plastic container and mailed to your address.

A small seedling sprouting from a grow sponge in a small food safe plastic container and mailed to your address.

Growing a Hawaiian monkey pod tree (Samanea saman, also known as the rain tree) from a seedling can be a rewarding process. These fast-growing, majestic trees are known for their wide, umbrella-like canopy and beautiful, feathery leaves.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help your monkey pod tree seedling thrive:

🌳 How to Grow a Hawaiian Monkey Pod Tree Seedling

1. About the Tree

  • Botanical Name: Samanea saman

  • Common Names: Monkey pod, rain tree, saman

  • Native To: Central and South America; widely planted in Hawaii and tropical regions

  • USDA Zones: 10–12

  • Mature Size: Up to 50–80 feet tall with a canopy spread of 60–100 feet

2. Ideal Growing Conditions

  • Sunlight: Full sun is essential (at least 6–8 hours per day)

  • Soil:

    • Well-draining, loamy or sandy soil

    • Tolerates a range of soils (including slightly alkaline)

    • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • Water: Moderate once established; drought-tolerant but prefers regular watering while young

3. Planting Instructions

  • Best Time to Plant: Spring or early summer (after last frost if outside its native zone)

  • Steps:

    1. Site selection: Choose a large open area away from buildings or power lines—mature canopy is very wide.

    2. Dig a hole: Twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.

    3. Plant the seedling: Place it at the same depth it was in its container.

    4. Backfill: Use the original soil or amend slightly with compost.

    5. Water thoroughly after planting.

4. Watering Needs

  • Young seedlings: Water 2–3 times per week, keeping soil moist but not soggy.

  • Established trees: Water during dry periods. Once mature, monkey pod trees are drought-tolerant.

5. Mulching

  • Add 2–3 inches of mulch around the base to:

    • Retain moisture

    • Reduce weed growth

    • Moderate soil temperature
      Keep mulch 2–3 inches away from the trunk to avoid rot.

6. Fertilizing

  • First year: Light application of balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) every 2–3 months.

  • Established trees: Fertilize in early spring and again in mid-summer.

  • Optional: Add organic compost around the root zone yearly.

7. Pruning & Maintenance

  • When: Late winter or early spring

  • Why:

    • Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches

    • Shape the canopy to encourage upward growth early on

  • Monkey pods naturally form a wide umbrella-shaped canopy—perfect for shade trees

8. Pests & Diseases

  • Generally pest-resistant

  • Occasionally affected by:

    • Scale insects

    • Aphids

    • Root rot (if soil is too wet)

  • Treatment: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestations appear. Avoid overwatering.

9. Growth & Characteristics

  • Fast-growing in tropical and subtropical climates

  • Begins forming shade canopy within a few years

  • Leaves fold up at night or in heavy rain (why it's called the "rain tree")

  • Produces pinkish-powder puff flowers and flat seed pods

✅ Quick Tips

  • Requires full sun and space to spread.

  • Ideal as a shade tree, not for small gardens.

  • Drought-tolerant once established, but keep moist while young.

  • Avoid planting near structures or pavement—roots can become invasive with age.

  • Protect young seedlings from strong wind or trampling.