Cashew

anacardium occidentale

Also known as: ["Cashew tree","Cashew apple"]

Family: Anacardiaceae Genus: Anacardium Category: Fruits

Overview

A tropical evergreen tree native to Brazil, cultivated for its edible cashew nuts and cashew apples.

Benefits & Perks

["edible fruits","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Sapindales
Family: Anacardiaceae
Genus: Anacardium
Botanical Name: Anacardium occidentale

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Fruits
  • Suitable Location: tropical or subtropical garden, protected from strong winds
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Edible Gardeners
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter; cactus or succulent mix is ideal.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust for intense summer heat by providing partial shade.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun to avoid sunburn; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure proper ventilation if grown indoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Use shade cloth in extreme heat; rotate plant for even light exposure; avoid placing near reflective surfaces that intensify sunlight.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency in winter

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use raised beds in heavy soils; avoid compacted soil; topdress with organic matter annually.

Temperature

Warm temperatures (25–35°C); intolerant of frost; prefers stable conditions above 15°C.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain warmth during dormant periods.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer

Fertilize during growing season only; apply to moist soil to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 10–15 cm cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Apply rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (25–30°C), humid, and partially shaded environment.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; keep out of direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning and heading back to maintain structure and airflow.

Pruning Plan

Prune to shape the plant, encourage fruiting, and remove dead or diseased wood.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; avoid over-pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–5 cm in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; necessary to refresh soil and provide space.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target the soil directly at the base of the plant.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf drop, stunted growth, or chlorosis in cold; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage; prolonged cold may lead to death.

Solution: Protect with frost cloth or move indoors in cold weather; ensure warm, sheltered microclimates.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced fruit production.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; use correct dilution; apply evenly; avoid contact with roots.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and summer; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Anacardium occidentale may indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or could be a sign of stress due to waterlogging, pests, or diseases.

Wilting in Anacardium occidentale is often a symptom of water stress, either due to insufficient watering or root damage from pests or pathogens, which can impair water uptake.

Leaf spots on Anacardium occidentale can be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to defoliation, reduced photosynthesis, and potentially reduced yield.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Anacardium occidentale is commonly caused by fungal pathogens in waterlogged soils, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly susceptible to urushiol toxicity. Ingestion of raw cashew nuts or the fruit stalk can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and allergic reactions, which may be life-threatening if untreated.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy skin irritation difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
fruit stalk (cashew apple) raw cashew nuts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing raw cashew parts. Roasted cashews should only be given sparingly and under supervision.
Dogs
Toxic

Dogs are highly sensitive to urushiol found in raw cashew nuts and the fruit stalk. Ingestion can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress and allergic reactions. Even small amounts can cause significant discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea excessive drooling skin irritation difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
fruit stalk (cashew apple) raw cashew nuts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep raw cashew parts out of reach of dogs. Only offer roasted, unsalted cashews in moderation as a treat.
Humans
Toxic

The fruit stalk (cashew apple) contains urushiol, a potent allergen that can cause severe dermatitis upon contact. Raw cashew nuts also contain urushiol and are toxic if ingested. The roasted nuts are safe for consumption after processing removes the toxin.

⚠️ Symptoms:
severe skin irritation blistering itching difficulty breathing vomiting abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
fruit stalk (cashew apple) raw cashew nuts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten or touched

Handle raw cashew nuts and cashew apples with gloves. Ensure cashews are thoroughly roasted before consumption. Keep raw parts away from pets and children.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are cashew nuts edible directly from the tree?

A: No, raw cashew nuts contain urushiol, a toxic compound, and must be processed before consumption.

Q: Can the cashew apple be eaten?

A: Yes, the cashew apple is edible and often used in juices, jams, and local cuisines.

Q: Is the cashew tree suitable for indoor cultivation?

A: No, the cashew tree requires a tropical climate and ample space, making it unsuitable for indoor growth.

Quick Reference
Family: Anacardiaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","edible gardeners"]
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