Abiu
pouteria caimito
Also known as: ["Cajá","Caimito","Lluvia de oro"]
Overview
A tropical fruit tree native to South America, known for its sweet, translucent yellow fruit with a gelatinous pulp.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Sapotaceae |
| Genus: | Pouteria |
| Botanical Name: | Pouteria caimito |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: protected outdoor garden or large container in a warm, sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"20–30°C, tolerating brief dips to 10°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain humidity, especially in dry environments
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter; cactus or tropical mix works well.
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 if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to partial shade in intense summer heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sunlight to avoid leaf burn; provide shade during peak afternoon sun in hot climates; protect from strong winds that can scorch leaves.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun with protection from intense afternoon sun
Use shade cloth in summer; rotate plant for even light exposure; avoid direct sun on hot days.
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 slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, fertile loam with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for fertility.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F / 18–29°C); tolerates brief dips to 50°F / 10°C but thrives in stable warmth.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain stable temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer, ceasing in fall and winter
Fertilize lightly and frequently during growth; stop in fall/winter; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or air layering; seeds are viable but slower to establish.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem.
- Cut just below a node.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity and warmth.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (75–85°F / 24–29°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright 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 may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bag or propagator, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning and heading back to maintain shape and promote airflow.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage bushier growth; focus on maintaining structure and health.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before the growing season starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for young plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; trim roots if crowded; use fresh soil mix; water lightly after repotting.
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; 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 perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, or wilting in cold; scorching or stunted growth in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback; prolonged cold can damage roots and reduce vigor.
Solution: Protect from frost with frost cloth; move to a warmer location if possible; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring and summer; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSimilar to dogs, cats are susceptible to toxicity from the seeds and leaves of Pouteria caimito due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal distress and other adverse effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe seeds and leaves of Pouteria caimito contain compounds that can cause mild to moderate toxicity in dogs if ingested. The cyanogenic glycosides in these parts can lead to gastrointestinal upset and, in severe cases, more serious systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicThe fruit of Pouteria caimito, commonly known as caimito or star apple, is generally considered safe for human consumption. However, the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested in large amounts, leading to toxicity. The fruit itself is nutritious and widely consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in excessive quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the abiu fruit edible?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible and highly prized for its sweet, translucent pulp.
Q: Does the abiu tree require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun and warm, tropical conditions.
Q: Are there any pests that commonly affect the abiu tree?
A: Common issues include yellow leaves, wilting, and rotting, often due to pests or environmental stress.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapotaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun with |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
