Guava
psidium guajava
Also known as: ["Goiaba","Pommerac","Guayaba"]
Overview
A tropical fruit-bearing tree native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, known for its sweet, fragrant fruits.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Psidium |
| Botanical Name: | Psidium guajava |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in warm climates, or large indoor pot in cooler regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor air is excessively dry
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after harvest.
- 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 for intense summer heat by providing partial shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun to avoid scorching; provide shade during peak summer heat; for indoor plants, place near a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid placing near heat sources.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing to every 14–21 days in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid compacted soil; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Ideal range 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates brief dips to 30°F (-1°C) but thrives in warm conditions.
Use a thermometer to monitor microclimate; group plants for humidity; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer, none in winter
Dilute fertilizer to half strength to avoid burning roots; fertilize after watering to prevent salt buildup; avoid fertilizing newly transplanted plants.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or air layering; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select a healthy stem, cut below a node, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant 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 temperatures (75–85°F), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rate.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pot, well-draining medium, plastic bag or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use softwood cuttings for best results; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading back to control size, and selective removal of crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to shape the plant, improve air circulation, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage fruit production.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape the canopy, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly, and place in shade for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; guava benefits from root pruning if container-bound.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare fresh soil mix, trim roots if needed, water well, acclimate slowly to sunlight.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply until water drains from the bottom, ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme cold; wilting, leaf scorch, or blossom drop in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, reduce flowering, and can cause leaf drop or branch dieback.
Solution: Protect with frost cloth or move indoors; apply mulch to insulate roots; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat leads to wilting, leaf scorch, reduced fruit set, and increased water demand.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering frequency, mist leaves in the morning, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, dilute properly, apply during growing season, water before/after application, avoid contact with stems.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced (10-10-10) or fruit-specific fertilizer; apply every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer), reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPsidium guajava is not toxic to cats. The plant is safe for feline consumption, and no significant toxic effects have been reported in cats that have ingested guava.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicGuava is not considered toxic to dogs. The fruit and leaves are safe for consumption in moderation, and the plant is not known to cause adverse effects in canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicPsidium guajava, commonly known as guava, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The fruit, leaves, and other parts of the plant are commonly consumed and used in traditional medicine without significant toxicity.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water my guava tree?
A: Water deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does guava need full sun?
A: Yes, guava trees thrive in full sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Q: Are guava leaves edible?
A: Yes, guava leaves are edible and often used in teas for their health benefits.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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