Rambutan
nephelium lappaceum
Also known as: ["Hairy Fruit","Shyan","Lakka"]
Overview
A tropical fruit tree native to Southeast Asia, known for its distinctive hairy red skin and sweet, translucent flesh.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","tropical aesthetic"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Nephelium |
| Botanical Name: | Nephelium lappaceum |
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":"20–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loam with organic matter; cactus or citrus mix can be used for containers.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after fruiting; light pruning can be done as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust for intense summer sun to prevent leaf burn.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sunlight; provide shade during peak afternoon hours in summer; protect from strong winds that can scorch leaves.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Use shade cloth in summer; rotate plant for even light exposure; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, fertile loam with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; avoid compacted soil; maintain organic matter content.
Temperature
Warm tropical conditions (25–35°C); intolerant of frost; prefers stable temperatures year-round.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat; maintain stable temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced fertilizer
Fertilize before new growth starts; water before and after applying fertilizer; use half-strength liquid fertilizer for potted plants.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or air layering; seeds germinate readily but may not retain parent traits.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem/branch.
- Prepare medium.
- Apply rooting hormone (if using).
- Maintain moisture and humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when temperatures are warm and humidity is high.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (25–30°C), partial shade.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or sphagnum moss for air layering.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for air layering.
Timeline
Seeds: 2–4 weeks to germinate; air layering: 6–8 weeks to root.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic wrap, misting bottle, rooting medium.
Quick Tips
Keep medium consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning; heading back to encourage bushier growth; avoid excessive cutting of fruiting wood.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or diseased wood; shape for better light penetration and airflow; encourage fruiting branches.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; make clean cuts; remove suckers.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; use fresh well-draining soil; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; essential for container-grown plants to prevent root-bound conditions.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
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 mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, chlorosis, or cessation of growth during cold stress; scorching or leaf curl during excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Growth cessation, leaf drop, potential dieback; can be fatal if temperatures drop below 10°C.
Solution: Provide frost protection (e.g., frost cloth); move potted plants indoors; avoid placing near cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced fruit set, and potential dehydration.
Solution: Increase watering frequency; provide afternoon shade; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; apply at correct time; water after application; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced (10-10-10) slow-release fertilizer; apply in spring and mid-summer; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may suffer mild gastrointestinal issues if they consume large quantities of the seeds or skin of Nephelium lappaceum. The flesh is typically safe for cats in small amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest large amounts of the seeds or skin of Nephelium lappaceum. The flesh is generally safe for dogs in small amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe seeds and skin of Nephelium lappaceum (rambutan) contain toxic compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when consumed in large amounts. The flesh of the fruit is generally safe for consumption.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is rambutan safe for pets?
A: Yes, rambutan is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How do I care for a rambutan tree?
A: Provide full sun, well-draining soil, and regular watering, especially during fruiting season.
Q: Can rambutan be grown indoors?
A: Rambutan trees require tropical conditions and space, making them unsuitable for indoor cultivation.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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