Tips for Growing and Care of Chocolate Mimosa Trees

The chocolate mimosa tree (Jubaea chilensis) is found in the rainforests of Chile and Peru and can grow to more than 60 feet tall. But this lush tropical plant requires plenty of space to grow into its full shape, so you’ll have to have room in your yard or garden to accommodate it! While these trees aren’t fast growers, they make a beautiful addition to your landscape if you give them the love and care they need in order to thrive. Follow these tips on growing chocolate mimosa trees so that you can enjoy their vibrant shade year-round!

Choosing your tree

Before purchasing a chocolate mimosa tree, it is important to determine if you have enough space available. Chocolate mimosas grow to about eight feet in height when mature, so proper planning is essential. They thrive best in warm climates that are not subject to frequent frosts or freezes, making them ideal in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11, which encompass all but a small portion of southern Florida as well as southern coastal areas of Texas, Louisiana and California. The trees prefer full sun with only partial shade on hot summer days—ideally, an area protected from prevailing winds where they can soak up abundant rays. They do not like windy locations at all; the excessive wind will severely damage them.

Planting your tree

Chocolate mimosas are tropical trees, so unless you’re living in a warm climate or can plant your tree outside, you’ll need to keep it indoors. Be sure to choose a container that will accommodate its large root ball. If you can put your tree outside during the summer months, do so – Chocolate mimosas love warm weather! Watering: Like most houseplants, Chocolate mimosas prefer their soil to dry out completely between waterings. But they also don’t like to get too dry – on average, watering once every week is best. Pest Control: There are several pests that will enjoy feasting on your plant.

Watering your tree

The best time to water your tree is in the early morning or late evening. Avoid watering during mid-day as most plants prefer a cool wet root zone. Wet soil provides an excellent environment for root rot fungus which can be easily avoided by proper watering techniques.

Fertilizing your tree

Chocolate mimosas are heavy feeders. We recommend fertilizing in early spring or fall (you can fertilize at any time during dormancy). Apply a balanced fertilizer that is formulated to provide your tree with macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) as well as micronutrients (boron, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium etc.). Avoid acidic materials such as ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate; chocolate mimosas prefer pH neutral or slightly alkaline soil. If you’re concerned about over-fertilizing your tree we recommend consulting with a reputable nursery. Plants grown in pots require more attention than trees planted in their permanent location so monitor your tree closely if you plan on moving it indoors for a short period of time each year.

Keeping it healthy

When it comes to growing Chocolate Mimosa trees, they are generally low maintenance but should still be given certain considerations when growing them. Here are some tips that will help you grow a healthy Chocolate Mimosa tree: Watering: Watering is very important in maintaining your Mimosa’s health. If you do not water them properly, they will die. Try to make sure you are watering your mimosas at least once a week in most cases. If you notice leaves turning yellow or your mimosas looking wilted at all, check to see if they need water by using your finger. Stick it an inch or two into the soil, if it feels dry then give them some water; otherwise just wait a day before watering again.