How to Grow Guiana Chestnut - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Guiana chestnut is a plant in the family Lecythidaceae, native to the tropical forests of South America. The tree is known for its large, woody fruits, which contain a large, edible seed. The fruit is often used in desserts, and the seeds are roasted and eaten as a snack.

How to Grow Guiana Chestnut - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Pachira aquatica
  • Malabar chestnut
  • Bombax glabra
  • Ceiba pentandra
  • Theobroma cacao

Things to Know

  • The guiana chestnut is a large, evergreen tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall.
  • The tree is native to South America, specifically the countries of Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil.
  • The guiana chestnut has a wide, spreading canopy that can provide shade for a large area.
  • The tree produces large, rounded fruits that contain a large, edible seed.
  • The guiana chestnut tree is an important food source for many animals, including birds, monkeys, and rodents.
  • The tree is also an important source of wood for construction and furniture-making.
  • The guiana chestnut tree is considered an invader species in some parts of the world, including Florida in the United States.
  • The tree can be difficult to control once it becomes established in an area.
  • The guiana chestnut tree can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
  • The tree can be susceptible to various diseases and pests, including the chestnut blight.

Growing Steps

  1. For guiana chestnut, first step is to get the seeds. You can get the seeds from a nursery or online.
  2. Plant the seeds in a pot or directly in the ground.
  3. Water the seeds regularly and keep the soil moist.
  4. The seeds will germinate in 2-4 weeks.
  5. Once the seedlings are big enough, transplant them to a larger pot or in the ground.
  6. Water the plants regularly and fertilize them once a month.
  7. Guiana chestnuts will flower in the summer and the fruits will mature in the fall.
  8. Harvest the fruits when they are brown and have fallen off the tree.
  9. Store the fruits in a cool, dry place.
  10. Enjoy your guiana chestnuts!

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Guiana chestnut tree likes a well-drained, fertile soil, and it is quite tolerant of poor soils. It can grow in clay or sand, and it prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It can also tolerate salt and brief periods of inundation.

Light requirement

Like the other trees, the Guiana chestnut tree needs full sun to grow properly. If it doesn't get enough sun, the tree will be stunted and may not produce any nuts. Guiana chestnut trees can tolerate some shade, but they prefer full sun.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the Guiana chestnut tree is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This tree does not do well in below freezing temperatures and will not survive if the temperature gets too hot. Guiana chestnut trees need to be in an environment with moderate humidity to do well. They will not thrive in an environment that is too dry or too wet.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. They cannot tolerate prolonged drought or flooding. If the leaves start to turn brown and drop off, it is a sign that the plant is not getting enough water.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, this type of plant requires a lot of fertilizer because it is a fast-growing tree. The best fertilizer for guiana chestnut is a 10-10-10 fertilizer because this fertilizer has a lot of nitrogen which is important for growth. Another important thing for guiana chestnut is the roots. This tree has a very aggressive root system and can easily damage sidewalks, patios, and driveways. It is important to keep an eye on the roots and make sure they are not causing any damage.

Light requirement

Pruning guiana chestnut plants is important to maintain their shape and size. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches. Guiana chestnuts can be pruned in late winter or early spring.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of Guiana chestnut is typically done through seeds. The seeds must be scarified, or have their hard outer coating removed, before they are planted. This can be done by soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 hours or by sanding the seeds with sandpaper. Once the seeds are scarified, they can be planted in well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and place the pot in a warm, sunny location. The seeds should germinate within two weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the species. The average growth rate for a guiana chestnut tree is between 6 and 12 inches per year. However, some species can grow up to 24 inches per year. The growth rate also depends on the growing conditions. Trees that are grown in ideal conditions can grow faster than those that are not.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are caused by insects and diseases. Some of the most common insects include caterpillars, whiteflies, and aphids. These insects can cause serious damage to the leaves and stems of the plant. Diseases that can affect guiana chestnut plants include blight, root rot, and leaf spot. These diseases can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off the plant.

Tips on Growing

  • If growing guiana chestnut in a pot, make sure it has plenty of drainage holes.
  • Choose a spot in full sun or partial shade.
  • Plant guiana chestnut in rich, well-drained soil.
  • Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
  • Fertilize each spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune annually to promote new growth.
  • Overwinter indoors in a cool, sunny location.
  • Watch for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly.
  • Propagate by seed or rooting stem cuttings.
  • Enjoy the wonderful, unusual fruits of your guiana chestnut tree!

Alternative Plants

  • Spondias tuberosa (guiana chestnut)
  • Hura crepitans (guiana chestnut)
  • Hura crepitans (guiana chestnut)
  • Hura crepitans (sandbox tree)
  • Hura crepitans (sandbox tree)
  • Hura crepitans (sandbox tree)
  • Hura crepitans (sandbox tree)
  • Hura crepitans (sandbox tree)
  • Hura crepitans (sandbox tree)
  • Hura crepitans (sandbox tree)

Source:
JC Raulston Arboretum - Photographs of Guiana Chestnut
Home - Chestnut Education Group
Greitens, Sheena Chestnut - LBJ School of Public Affairs

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Trees Category