Argentine cedar (Cedrela fissilis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Argentine cedar on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Meliaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Argentine cedar
Cedrela fissilis, commonly known as Argentine Cedar or Mission Cedar, is a large deciduous tree valued for its majestic stature and high-quality timber. Its pinnate leaves and fissured bark give it a distinctive appearance, making it ideal for large gardens, parks, or as a shade tree in expansive areas. Its presence adds natural elegance and significant ecological value.
Native range
South America (from southern Brazil to northern Argentina and Paraguay)
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and robust development. Watering should be regular during the first few years, especially in dry periods, ensuring good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which is a common mistake. It prefers deep, fertile, and well-drained soils, although it is adaptable to various conditions if compaction is avoided. A common mistake to avoid is insufficient watering in its juvenile stages, which can compromise its establishment.
How to save a dying Argentine cedar
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or browning leaves falling in mass, loss of vigor, slow or no growth.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. Ensure good indirect light. Consider repotting if potted and root-bound.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (causes root rot) or lack of light. It doesn't tolerate waterlogging or dense shade.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if acted upon quickly. It's resilient but needs proper conditions. Balance is key.