Malacca Tree, Mountain Apple
syzygium malaccense
Also known as: ["Malay Apple","Otaheite Apple"]
Overview
A tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, known for its large, bell-shaped flowers and edible, apple-like fruits.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Syzygium |
| Botanical Name: | Syzygium malaccense |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in tropical or subtropical regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–32°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; must avoid waterlogging but retain some moisture.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loam with organic matter; avoid heavy clay or pure sand.
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 to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight, protect from harsh midday sun, and provide dappled light in extremely hot regions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Use shade cloth in intense sun; rotate plant for even light exposure; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days, or when top inch of soil is dry
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid letting the plant sit in water, and adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.
Soil
well-draining, fertile, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 5.5–6.5.
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture levels.
Temperature
Thrives in warm tropical conditions, 65–85°F (18–29°C); intolerant of frost.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth for flowering.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth
Fertilize less in winter; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn; apply evenly around the root zone.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or air layering; seeds are viable but slower to establish.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (75–85°F), and indirect light for rooting.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or sphagnum moss for air layering.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for stem cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Stem cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; air layering may take 2–3 months to establish roots.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bag or propagator, misting bottle, rooting medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches, heading back to encourage bushiness, and removal of crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage airflow and light penetration.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape evenly, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly, and avoid direct sun for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; essential for container-grown plants to maintain vigor.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if necessary, use fresh soil, water well, acclimate slowly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season, observe plant response.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches, allow excess water to drain, and water in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix perlite or sand for drainage; use organic mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges in cold; wilting or leaf scorch in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, cause leaf drop, and can lead to death if prolonged below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Protect with frost cloth, move indoors in cold weather, or provide a heat source in containers.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering if not mitigated.
Solution: Provide shade during peak sun, increase humidity, and water more frequently to combat heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, use correct dilution, apply evenly, avoid contact with roots, rinse tools after use.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring/summer; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during active growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicThe plant is not known to be toxic to cats. The fruit is safe for consumption in moderation.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicThe plant is not known to be toxic to dogs. The fruit is safe for consumption in moderation.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicSyzygium malaccense, commonly known as Malay apple or mountain apple, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The fruit is edible and consumed in many regions.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the fruit of Syzygium malaccense edible?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible and commonly consumed in tropical regions.
Q: How tall does the Malacca Tree grow?
A: It can grow up to 60 feet tall in optimal conditions.
Q: Does this plant require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, or when top |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
