West Indian mahogany

West Indian mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) should be watered deeply about once a week throughout the year. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and water more often if the soil feels dry to the touch. West Indian mahogany does not require frequent watering, as too much moisture can promote disease and suffering. For best results, water these plants at the base in the morning hours, ensuring that the entire root system gets plenty of moisture.

West Indian mahogany prefers full sunlight exposure and grows best with 8 to 10 hours of sunlight per day. The species thrives best in hotter tropical climates and needs 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily with partial shade in the afternoon. Sunlight should be given evenly throughout the day and should not exceed more than 10 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Pruning West Indian mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) plants is an important part of their care. Pruning should be done when the tree enters the dormant season, which is between late winter and early spring. During this time, pruning helps to keep the tree healthy and promote further growth. When pruning, take out dead or diseased branches and those that cross each other, as this can cause damage to the tree. Prune back any branches that appear to be overgrowing. Generally, keep the tree’s canopy no more than 1-third of the tree’s total height. Make sure to make all cuts cleanly and at a 45-degree angle to the branch. If any shaping is required, it should be done in the winter months.