Lucuma (Pouteria lucuma)
Care, watering, light and tips for Lucuma on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Sapotaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Lucuma
The lúcumo (Pouteria lucuma) is a subtropical fruit tree native to the Andes, valued for its sweet and nutritious fruits. It can grow up to 15 meters tall and has dense, evergreen foliage. It's an excellent choice for large gardens or orchards where a productive and tropical-looking plant is desired.
Native range
Andes of Peru, Ecuador, and Chile.
Care tips
It requires full sun for good fruit production and protection from frost. Watering should be regular, keeping the soil moist but well-drained, especially during flowering and fruiting. It prefers fertile, deep, and well-drained soils, avoiding waterlogging. A common mistake is the lack of formative pruning, which can affect the tree's production and structure.
How to save a dying Lucuma
- Warning signs
- Shriveling and falling leaves, dry and brittle edges, unripe fruit. Act fast!
- First aid
- Check drainage. If poor, repot into well-draining pot and light soil mix. Water if substrate is dry.
- What kills it
- Root rot from waterlogging or prolonged drought. It's very sensitive to both extremes.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted or desiccated. React in time!