Size: Single plant | 2.5"-4" Pot Included
Caring for a miracle fruit tree (Synsepalum dulcificum) involves paying attention to several key factors to ensure its health and fruit production.
Here's a comprehensive guide of Miracle Fruit:
Light
Partial to Full Sun: Miracle fruit thrives in bright, indirect sunlight to partial shade. While it can tolerate full sun, especially in cooler climates, protect it from intense afternoon sun, particularly when young or in hot regions, to prevent leaf scorch. If growing indoors, a south or east-facing window with filtered light is ideal.
Water
Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Miracle fruit trees are sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering.
Water Quality: Use non-chlorinated water, such as rainwater or water left to sit for 24 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate. They are also sensitive to high salt levels.
Drainage: Ensure the pot or planting location has good drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil
Acidic Soil: Miracle fruit requires acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. Use a peat-based potting mix or amend your soil with sphagnum peat moss. Avoid soils containing lime.
Well-Draining: The soil should be well-draining to prevent waterlogging while still retaining some moisture. A mix of peat moss and perlite (1/2 and 1/2) is often recommended.
Temperature and Humidity
Warm Temperatures: Maintain temperatures above 15°C (60°F). Miracle fruit is not frost-tolerant, so protect it from cold temperatures.
High Humidity: Miracle fruit prefers high humidity levels (60-80%). If grown indoors, consider using a humidifier, misting the plant regularly, or placing it on a pebble tray filled with water.
Fertilizer
Balanced Fertilizer: Feed your miracle fruit tree with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). A fertilizer with an NPK ratio like 7-9-5 or 20-20-20, diluted to half or quarter strength, can be used every 2-4 weeks.
Acid-Loving Fertilizer: You can also use fertilizers specifically formulated for acid-loving plants.
Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Miracle fruit is sensitive to high fertilizer levels, which can cause leaf burn (brown edges). Always fertilize when the soil is moist. Flush the soil with non-chlorinated water periodically to remove any salt buildup.
Pruning
Light Pruning: Prune lightly to maintain the shape of the plant, remove any dead or crossing branches, and encourage branching, which can lead to more flowers and fruits.
Pollination
Self-Pollinating: Miracle fruit is generally self-pollinating. However, hand pollination (gently shaking the branches or rubbing your hands through the flowers) can help ensure fruit set, especially indoors where there is no wind or insect activity.
Fruiting
Maturity: Plants typically start fruiting when they are around 2 feet tall and about 3-5 years old.
Year-Round Fruiting: Mature plants can flower and fruit year-round, with a potential peak in the summer.
Harvesting: The berries turn bright red when ripe and can remain on the bush for several weeks.
Common Problems
Yellowing Leaves: Can indicate issues with soil pH (too alkaline) or nutrient deficiencies (especially iron). Use acidic soil and consider a fertilizer for acid-loving plants or one containing iron.
Brown or Crispy Leaves: Often a sign of underwatering, low humidity, or high salt levels from tap water or over-fertilization. Ensure consistent moisture, increase humidity, and use non-chlorinated water.
Leaf Drop: Can be caused by sudden changes in temperature, overwatering, underwatering, or low light.
Pests: Watch out for common pests like mealybugs and spider mites. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Root Rot: Caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and allow the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings.
Container Growing
Miracle fruit adapts well to container growing, which allows for better control of soil conditions and the ability to move the plant indoors during cold weather. Choose a pot with good drainage and repot every 1-2 years, increasing the pot size gradually.
By providing the right conditions and consistent care, you can successfully grow a healthy and fruit-producing miracle fruit tree.
