How To Grow A Monkey Pod Rain Tree

Step 1

Choose a spacious location to plant a monkey pod. The soil should be fertile and well drained, but overall this tree demonstrates wide tolerance of many soil types and pH ranges, according to Margaret Barwick, author of "Tropical and Subtropical Trees." The landscape location must also supply at least 10 hours of direct sunlight exposure daily. The monkey pod grows well in nutrient-poor soils and those that are shallow, such as soils only 2 to 3 feet deep over rock substrate.

Step 2

Plant the monkey pod at least 30 feet away from buildings, sidewalks or other permanent, expensive structures or hardscapes. This fast-growing tree develop massive, muscular surface roots (especially in clay or rock-laden soils). It is not the tree to grow on the smaller lot dimensions of residential properties. Site this tree in an open park or campus setting.

Step 3

Step 4

Place a 3- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the young monkey pod, extending it several feet beyond the reach of its branches. Mulch retains soil moisture, cools the roots and diminishes the encroachment of weeds around the tree's root zone.

Step 5

Fertilize the monkey pod tree annually with a well-balanced, granular fertilizer. Follow label directions for proper timing and dosage of applications. Maintaining organic mulch under the tree also supplies trace nutrients to sustain tree health, too.