Plum (Prunus domestica)
Care, watering, light and tips for Plum on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Rosaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Plum
The common plum (Prunus domestica) is a deciduous fruit tree valued for its delicious plums and its beautiful spring blossoms. It can reach heights of up to 10 meters, displaying a rounded canopy and bright green foliage. It is ideal for home orchards, country gardens, or as a solitary ornamental tree in spacious areas.
Native range
Asia Minor and the Caucasus
Care tips
It requires full sun for good fruit production and a deep, fertile, well-drained soil. Watering should be regular, especially during flowering and fruit development, avoiding waterlogging. Annual pruning is essential to maintain the tree's shape, health, and promote abundant production. A common mistake is neglecting pruning, which can lead to lower yields and weaker trees.
How to save a dying Plum
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or premature leaf drop, small or deformed fruits, gumming on trunk or branches.
- First aid
- Check watering (avoid over/under), prune dry/diseased branches, look for pests (aphids, spider mites) or diseases (monilia, canker).
- What kills it
- Lack of pollination, heavy waterlogged soils, late frosts damaging blossoms.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly and identify the cause. Proper sanitation and care can revive it.