Longan
dimocarpus longan
Also known as: ["Dragon Eye","Guanlan"]
Overview
A tropical fruit tree native to Southeast Asia, known for its sweet, translucent fruit with a large black seed.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","tropical appeal","fragrant flowers"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Dimocarpus |
| Botanical Name: | Dimocarpus longan |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in tropical or subtropical regions, or large container in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C, tolerates brief dips to 5°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days during dry periods or indoor cultivation to maintain humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
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.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) in spring and summer; partial shade in intense heat or winter.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight, protect from harsh afternoon sun, and provide dappled light during extreme heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in peak summer; avoid direct sun on leaves.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing to every 2–3 weeks in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid letting the plant sit in water, and adjust based on season and growth stage.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Use raised beds for drainage; avoid overwatering; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Optimal range 20–30°C; tolerates 10–35°C; prefers warm, stable conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain stable warmth during flowering.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer, none in winter
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize after watering; avoid contact with roots.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or air layering; seeds are less common due to genetic variability.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem, cut below node, apply hormone, place in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm (24–28°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or cactus mix with added rooting hormone.
Hormone
Recommended to promote root development.
Timeline
Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot within 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bag or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep medium consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning, heading back, and removal of crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage airflow and light penetration.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead wood, shape evenly, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm in diameter; ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; essential for young, rapidly growing plants.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water lightly, place in shade temporarily.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water the root zone directly, ensure water penetrates deeply to encourage root growth, 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 perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with organic matter.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or bud abortion in extreme cold or heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and may lead to dieback in prolonged cold.
Solution: Protect from frost, move indoors in winter, and provide a warm, sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, and potential dehydration in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute correctly, apply to soil, avoid foliage contact, rinse tools.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicThe seeds of Dimocarpus longan are slightly toxic to cats due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides, which can lead to mild poisoning if consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if seeds are ingested
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe seeds of Dimocarpus longan contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause mild toxicity in dogs if ingested in significant amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if seeds are ingested
Humans
Non-toxicThe fruit of Dimocarpus longan is generally non-toxic and commonly consumed. However, the seeds contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide if ingested in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I grow longan from seed?
A: Longan seeds should be planted fresh in well-draining soil, kept moist, and placed in a warm, sunny location.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for longan?
A: Longan thrives in tropical climates with full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering.
Q: When does longan fruit?
A: Longan typically fruits in late summer, with fruiting dependent on proper pollination and environmental conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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