Star apple (Moquilea veneralensis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Star apple on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Chrysobalanaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Star apple
The Caimito (Moquilea veneralensis) is a tropical fruit tree valued for its sweet fruits and attractive foliage. With its dense canopy and glossy leaves, it's ideal for large gardens or as a shade tree in warm climates. Its fruits, with purple skin and milky flesh, are an exotic delight.
Native range
Tropical Central and South America
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal fruiting and prefers rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soils. Watering should be regular, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering and fruiting. Avoid frost, as it is very sensitive to low temperatures, and protect it from strong winds when young.
How to save a dying Star apple
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or browning leaves that drop, slow or no growth.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. If dry, water deeply. If waterlogged, repot into better-draining soil.
- What kills it
- Extreme over or under-watering, poor soil drainage leading to root rot or suffocation.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotted or dried out. Act quickly to adjust watering and soil.