Cashew Nut Tree
lecythis zabucajo
Also known as: ["Cashew Nut Tree","Pará Nut Tree"]
Overview
A tropical tree species native to South America, known for its large, woody fruits containing edible nuts.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Lecythidaceae |
| Genus: | Lecythis |
| Botanical Name: | Lecythis zabucajo |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- 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":"10–11"}
- Misting: rarely required unless in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with organic matter and sand or perlite.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to remove dead/diseased growth; light pruning can be done throughout the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary, but avoid heavy pruning unless required.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some protection from intense midday sun in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun, protect from scorching by providing shade during peak hours, adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct sun on leaves during peak hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, rich loamy soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 5.5–7.0.
Use a mix of peat, perlite, and compost; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures, ideally 70–85°F (21–29°C); tolerates seasonal fluctuations but dislikes prolonged cold.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots to develop.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also use water propagation for cuttings.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seed germination can take several weeks to months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction; remove crossing or inward-growing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased growth, and encourage bushier growth; focus on structural improvement.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy or active growth, remove dead/diseased parts, shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider) than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot with drainage, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly.
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, ensure water penetrates deeply to reach the root ball, allow excess water to drain completely, water in the morning to reduce 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 coarse sand for drainage, incorporate compost for fertility, ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, or wilting in response to extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, cause leaf drop, and may lead to root damage or death if prolonged.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate roots with mulch, avoid cold drafts, protect from frost.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced water uptake, leading to dehydration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering frequency, improve air circulation, mist leaves in extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, use diluted fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer); reduce or stop in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicThe seeds and fruits of Lecythis zabucajo are toxic to cats, with similar compounds causing gastrointestinal distress and potential systemic effects. Cats may be more sensitive to these compounds, leading to more severe symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe seeds and fruits of Lecythis zabucajo are toxic to dogs, containing compounds that can lead to significant gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic toxicity. The physiological impact can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount ingested.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe seeds and fruits of Lecythis zabucajo contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and allergic reactions in some individuals. The physiological impact is generally limited to the digestive system, with no severe systemic effects reported.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Lecythis zabucajo tree suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is a large tropical tree requiring outdoor space.
Q: Are the nuts of Lecythis zabucajo edible?
A: Yes, the nuts are edible and commonly consumed in their native regions.
Q: How tall does Lecythis zabucajo grow?
A: It can grow up to 30 meters tall in its natural habitat.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lecythidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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