Water Gum
syzygium guineense
Also known as: ["African Plum","Syzygium jambos","Syzygium cordatum"]
Overview
A large evergreen tree native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, known for its glossy leaves and small white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Syzygium |
| Botanical Name: | Syzygium guineense |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or outdoor sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required unless in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining potting mix with organic matter, such as compost or peat.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually or every 2 years, or as needed to control size and shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary, but avoid heavy pruning on young plants.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light, protect from direct midday sun to prevent scorching, adjust indoor placement to mimic natural light patterns.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun with protection from intense afternoon sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, fertile soil with high organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; topdress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates brief dips to 50°F (10°C) but thrives in warm, stable conditions.
Avoid placing near drafty windows; use a humidifier in dry heat; monitor temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or air layering; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem, cut below a node, apply hormone, place 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 a commercial rooting medium.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone powder or gel for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth typically appears after 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, rooting medium, plastic bag or propagator, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use softwood cuttings for best results; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning, heading back, and shaping cuts to maintain form and health.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, encourage bushier growth, remove dead or diseased wood, and maintain size.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, make clean cuts, remove dead/diseased wood, shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly, avoid fertilizing for a month.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and nutrient uptake.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water lightly, place in shade temporarily.
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, allow excess to drain, 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, use pine bark for aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or bud drop in response to extreme cold or heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback; prolonged cold can damage roots and lead to fungal issues.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate roots with mulch, avoid cold drafts, protect from frost.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or leaf drop due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, water more frequently, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, rinse pot periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSimilar to dogs, cats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large quantities of the berries of Syzygium guineense. The high fiber content is likely the primary cause of discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Syzygium guineense may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if consumed in large quantities. The exact toxic compounds are not well-documented, but the high fiber content can lead to digestive issues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicSyzygium guineense is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, excessive consumption of its berries may lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to their high fiber content. No significant toxic effects have been documented in scholarly literature.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in excessive quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Syzygium guineense suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is a large tree best suited for outdoor landscapes.
Q: Does the Water Gum produce edible fruits?
A: Yes, it produces small, edible fruits, though they are not commonly consumed.
Q: How fast does Syzygium guineense grow?
A: It is a moderately fast-growing tree, especially in favorable conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun with |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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