Sapodilla (Manilkara chicle)
Care, watering, light and tips for Sapodilla on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Sapotaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Sapodilla
The sapodilla (Manilkara chicle) is an evergreen tropical tree native to Mexico and Central America, known for producing a sweet edible fruit and the sap from which chicle is extracted. It can reach considerable heights, up to 30 meters, with a dense canopy and a straight trunk. It is ideal for large tropical gardens or as a shade tree in warm and humid climates.
Native range
Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal fruiting and vigorous growth. Watering should be regular and abundant, especially during dry periods, ensuring good drainage to prevent waterlogging. It prefers deep, fertile, and well-drained soils, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. A common mistake is not providing enough space for its root and aerial development, which can limit its growth and production.
How to save a dying Sapodilla
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or browning, wilting, and dropping leaves; small or absent fruits. Sap may ooze from the trunk.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. Remove fruits and flowers to reduce stress. Protect from strong winds and frost. If potted, consider repotting into a larger container.
- What kills it
- Constant waterlogging causing root suffocation and rot. Also, complete lack of watering during dry periods. Prolonged frosts.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not entirely rotted and the main trunk remains firm. Act quickly by correcting water issues and providing a stable environment.