Plum

prunus domestica

Also known as: ["European plum","common plum"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Prunus Category: Fruits

Overview

A deciduous tree or shrub cultivated for its edible fruit, the plum, which is widely used in culinary applications.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Prunus
Botanical Name: Prunus domestica

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Fruits
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Collectors & Enthusiasts Children & Families Outdoor Landscapers Edible Gardeners
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if indoor air is very dry
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for fertility.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter before active growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on tree age and vigor.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours direct sunlight daily); adjust for intense summer sun with partial afternoon shade.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to full sun; protect from harsh midday sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; ensure unobstructed sunlight exposure.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility

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

Avoid heavy clay soils; test pH annually; amend with organic matter before planting.

Temperature

Ideal range 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but requires frost protection below 28°F (-2°C).

Protect from frost; avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain consistent temperatures during flowering.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Test soil before fertilizing; water before and after application; follow label instructions for dosage.

Propagation

Methods

Hardwood cuttings taken in late winter or early spring.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Select healthy stem.
  2. Cut below a node.
  3. Apply rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.
  6. Transplant when rooted.

Best Time: Late winter while the plant is dormant, before bud break.

Environment

Warm (65–75°F), high humidity (70–80%), and partial shade.

Medium

Coarse sand or perlite mix with some peat moss for moisture retention.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot or ground within one growing season.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, misting system, heating mat.

Quick Tips

Use disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading cuts to encourage branching, and removal of crossing branches.

Pruning Plan

Shape the tree, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage fruiting spurs for better yield.

Tools

Sharp bypass pruners, loppers, pruning saw, disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts just above buds.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are clear.

Method

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

Suggestions

Repot container-grown plants every 2–3 years to refresh soil and prevent root binding.

Checklist

Check root health; use fresh potting mix; ensure proper drainage; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, apply slowly to allow deep penetration, ensure water reaches the root ball, water early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots with minimal waste.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once a week during active growth, increasing to twice weekly during fruit development; reduce watering in winter dormancy.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf drop, bud abortion, slowed growth, or browning leaf edges.

Cold Stress

Stunts growth, damages buds, and can cause dieback or death in severe cases.

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; cover with frost cloth during freezes; move containers indoors or to a sheltered location.

Hot Stress

Leaves wilt, fruit drops, and growth slows due to excessive transpiration.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce ground heat.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check soil pH; apply fertilizer evenly; water thoroughly after application; avoid contact with roots.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced fruit tree fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring before bud break; repeat after fruit set; avoid late-season fertilization to prevent frost damage.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Prunus domestica may indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as iron chlorosis, or be a symptom of diseases like bacterial canker or viral infections, which can severely impact plant health and productivity.

Wilting in Prunus domestica is often caused by water stress, either due to drought or root issues like root rot, which can lead to reduced photosynthesis and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Prunus domestica are frequently caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, such as Xanthomonas pruni or Septoria, which can lead to defoliation, reduced photosynthesis, and weakened plant vigor.

Rotting in Prunus domestica, particularly root or crown rot, is commonly caused by fungal pathogens like Phytophthora or Armillaria, leading to decay of plant tissues, poor nutrient uptake, and eventual plant decline.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

The seeds, stems, and leaves of Prunus domestica are toxic to cats, containing cyanogenic glycosides that can cause cyanide poisoning. This affects cellular respiration and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting difficulty breathing weakness collapse seizures dilated pupils death
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing seeds, stems, or leaves. Seek emergency veterinary care if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Toxic

The seeds, stems, and leaves of Prunus domestica are toxic to dogs due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. These compounds can lead to cyanide poisoning, disrupting oxygen transport in the body.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea difficulty breathing weakness collapse seizures pale gums
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep dogs away from seeds, stems, and leaves. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

The seeds, stems, and leaves of Prunus domestica contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon ingestion. This compound interferes with cellular respiration, leading to oxygen deprivation at the cellular level.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain dizziness difficulty breathing weakness seizures loss of consciousness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid consuming seeds, stems, or leaves. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
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 plums safe for dogs?

A: No, plums are toxic to dogs due to cyanogenic glycosides in the pits and stems.

Q: How often should I water a plum tree?

A: Water deeply once a week, adjusting for rainfall and soil conditions.

Q: What causes yellow leaves on a plum tree?

A: Yellow leaves can indicate nutrient deficiency, overwatering, or disease.

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