Overview

Introduce an exotic touch to your garden with the exquisite caimito live plant, commonly known as the star apple tree. This captivating tropical fruit tree, scientifically known as Chrysophyllum cainito, is celebrated for its striking foliage and delicious, unique fruit. Originating from the Caribbean and Central America, the Caimito is also a beloved staple in Southeast Asia, known for its sweet, mild grape-like flavor and jelly-like pulp. Our robust caimito live plant stands an impressive 3 to 4 feet tall and is shipped in a 7-gallon pot, ensuring a healthy start in your landscape. With its glossy, dark green leaves that feature a silky, bronze underside, this tree provides not only a source of delectable fruit but also significant ornamental value as a beautiful shade tree. Growing your own caimito fruit tree offers the unparalleled satisfaction of harvesting fresh, flavorful produce right from your backyard, bringing a taste of the tropics to your home.

Key Benefits

Cultivating a caimito live plant offers a multitude of advantages, enriching your garden and palate alike. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this tree provides a sustainable source of healthy, fresh fruit. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Delicious, Unique Fruit: Enjoy the sweet, mild grape-like flavor of fresh star apples, a truly unique taste experience that is hard to find in conventional stores. The fruit’s distinctive star pattern when cut horizontally makes it a visually appealing treat for desserts or fresh consumption.
• Ornamental Value: The star apple tree boasts stunning foliage with glossy green tops and shimmering bronze undersides, making it an attractive addition to any garden or patio. It serves as an excellent shade tree, providing cool respite during hot summer days.
• Tropical Appeal: Transform your garden into a tropical oasis with this exotic tree. Its presence evokes the lush landscapes of the Caribbean and Southeast Asia, adding a unique character to your outdoor space.
• Health Benefits: Caimito fruit is rich in vitamins and minerals, offering a healthy and refreshing snack. It’s known for its antioxidant properties and can be a beneficial addition to a balanced diet.
• Relatively Low Maintenance: Once established, the chrysocarpum caimito is a resilient tree that requires moderate care, making it suitable for both experienced gardeners and those looking to expand their tropical plant collection.
• Pollinator Friendly: The flowers of the caimito tree can attract various pollinators, contributing to the biodiversity and health of your garden ecosystem.
• Sustainable Food Source: Growing your own fruit tree reduces reliance on store-bought produce and provides a fresh, organic option right at your fingertips.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

To ensure your caimito live plant thrives and produces abundant fruit, proper care is essential. This tropical species prefers specific conditions to reach its full potential. When considering a tropical fruit tree, understanding its environmental needs is crucial for success.

Sunlight Requirements: The star apple tree is a sun-loving plant and requires full sun exposure to flourish, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. In very hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent leaf scorch, especially for younger plants. For optimal growth and fruiting, a bright, sunny location is ideal.

Watering Schedule and Soil Moisture: Consistent moisture is key for a young caimito live plant. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Once established, the tree is moderately drought-tolerant but will perform best with regular irrigation. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Soil Type and Drainage: Caimito trees prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). A rich, loamy soil amended with organic matter will provide the best growing conditions. If planting in a pot, use a high-quality potting mix designed for tropical plants. Good drainage is paramount; avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much water.

Temperature Range and USDA Hardiness Zone: Being a tropical tree, the chrysocarpum caimito is sensitive to cold. It thrives in warm, humid environments and is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 10-11, where temperatures rarely drop below freezing. If you live in a cooler climate, it can be grown in a container and brought indoors during winter or treated as an annual. Protect young trees from frost.

Fertilization Schedule and Type: Fertilize your caimito live plant regularly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer formulated for tropical fruit trees. A slow-release granular fertilizer or a liquid feed applied every 2-3 months will encourage healthy growth and fruit production. Reduce or stop fertilization during the dormant winter months.

Common Problems and Solutions: While generally robust, caimito trees can occasionally encounter pests like aphids or scale insects. These can usually be managed with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Fungal issues, often caused by excessive moisture, can be mitigated by ensuring good air circulation and proper watering practices. Regular inspection of your star apple tree will help catch and address issues early.

Size & Details

This offering is for a healthy caimito live plant that stands approximately 3 to 4 feet tall from the base of the pot to the top of the foliage. It is shipped in a sturdy 7-gallon nursery pot, providing ample root space for continued growth immediately upon arrival. The tree exhibits a moderate growth rate, and with proper care, it can reach mature heights of 25-50 feet in ideal tropical conditions, though it can be maintained at a smaller size with pruning if grown in containers or smaller garden spaces. The plant is well-established, with a strong root system, ensuring a smooth transition to your garden or larger container. Expect fruit production to begin within 3-5 years from planting, depending on growing conditions and care. This caimito fruit tree is a long-term investment that will provide beauty and delicious fruit for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: This caimito live plant is currently 3 to 4 feet tall and shipped in a 7-gallon pot. In the ground in tropical climates, it can grow to 25-50 feet, but can be kept smaller with pruning in containers.
• Q: What size pot does it come in? A: The star apple tree is shipped in a 7-gallon nursery pot, which provides a good start for its root system and allows for immediate planting or repotting.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The caimito live plant is primarily an outdoor tropical tree. It thrives in USDA Zones 10-11. In cooler zones, it can be grown in a container and brought indoors during cold weather.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: This tropical fruit tree requires full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, for optimal growth and fruit production.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Once established, the caimito live plant is considered moderately easy to care for, requiring consistent watering, good drainage, and protection from frost. It’s a rewarding plant for those familiar with tropical fruit trees.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your chrysocarpum caimito will arrive as a healthy, well-rooted live plant, carefully packaged to ensure its safety during transit. It will be shipped in its 7-gallon pot with soil.
• Q: How long until it blooms and produces fruit? A: With proper care, a caimito fruit tree of this size typically begins to bloom and produce fruit within 3-5 years after planting.
• Q: Can I grow the star apple tree in a container long-term? A: Yes, the star apple tree can be successfully grown in a large container long-term, especially in non-tropical climates. Regular pruning will help manage its size and shape.
• Q: What is the best time to plant a caimito tree? A: The best time to plant a caimito live plant is in the spring or early summer, after all danger of frost has passed, to allow it ample time to establish before cooler weather.
• Q: What does caimito fruit taste like? A: The fruit of the caimito live plant has a unique, mild grape-like flavor with a sweet, jelly-like pulp. It’s best eaten fresh and chilled.