Cashew (Anacardium occidentale)
Care, watering, light and tips for Cashew on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Anacardiaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Cashew
Anacardium occidentale, commonly known as the cashew tree, is a tropical evergreen tree renowned for its distinctive fruit, the cashew nut, which dangles beneath a fleshy structure called the 'cashew apple'. This medium-sized tree features dense, glossy foliage, making it ideal for providing shade in tropical gardens or as an ornamental fruit tree in warm, humid climates.
Native range
Northeastern Brazil and the Caribbean
Care tips
This tree requires full sun for optimal fruiting and healthy development. Watering should be regular during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, and reduced in the dry season. It prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. A common mistake is planting it in areas with frost, as it is extremely sensitive to low temperatures.
How to save a dying Cashew
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or browning, wilted leaves; premature flower/fruit drop; trunk cankers.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. Prune diseased branches. Protect from frost.
- What kills it
- Waterlogging, heavy soil, lack of direct sunlight, extreme cold, persistent pests.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if acted upon quickly. Needs full sun, good drainage, and winter protection.