Custard Apple
annona reticulata
Also known as: ["Bullock's Heart","Sweetsop"]
Overview
A tropical fruit tree known for its sweet, creamy fruit with a distinctive heart shape and reticulated skin.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Magnoliales |
| Family: | Annonaceae |
| Genus: | Annona |
| Botanical Name: | Annona reticulata |
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":"15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter like compost or aged manure.
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 to partial shade in extreme heat to prevent leaf scorch.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate the plant gradually to intense sunlight if moving from indoors; provide shade during peak afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure proper ventilation if grown indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate the plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sunlight; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce 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 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Thrives in warm temperatures (65–85°F / 18–29°C); prefers stable conditions and dislikes frost.
Protect from frost; avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain consistent warmth during flowering and fruiting.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced fertilizer
Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; cease fertilizing in fall and winter; apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or air layering; seeds can also be used but may not retain parent traits.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select a healthy stem, cut below a node, apply rooting hormone, place in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (75–85°F / 24–29°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; keep consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; air layering can take 2–3 months to establish roots.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bag or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches, heading back to encourage bushier growth, and removal of crossing or crowded stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage airflow and light penetration for better fruiting.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape the canopy, 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 the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove the plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a new pot with fresh soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose the right pot, prepare new soil, handle roots carefully, water after repotting, place in appropriate light.
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 without saturating the soil; allow excess water to drain 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 perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility and structure.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), leaf drop, stunted growth, or bud abortion.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, cause leaf drop, and can lead to frost damage or death if exposed to freezing conditions.
Solution: Move the plant indoors or to a protected area during cold spells; use frost cloth or heating elements in extreme cases.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced fruit set due to water stress.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering frequency, and ensure good air circulation to mitigate heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, dilute correctly, apply during growing season, avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced (10-10-10) slow-release fertilizer in spring and summer; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during active growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are also at risk from the toxic compounds in Annona reticulata. The acetogenins can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects in felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicDogs are susceptible to the toxic effects of Annona reticulata due to the presence of acetogenins. Ingestion can cause significant gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms in canines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicAnnona reticulata contains acetogenins, which can be toxic to humans when ingested. The seeds and skin are particularly high in these compounds, while the pulp may contain lower concentrations. Consumption can lead to neurological and gastrointestinal disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the fruit of Annona reticulata edible?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible and highly prized for its sweet, creamy flavor.
Q: How do I care for an Annona reticulata tree?
A: Provide full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering, especially during fruit development.
Q: Does Annona reticulata attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and fruit.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Annonaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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