Olen Persimmon
diospyros olen
Also known as: ["Persimmon Olen","Olen Ebony"]
Overview
A small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to Southeast Asia, known for its ornamental value and edible fruits.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ebenaceae |
| Genus: | Diospyros |
| Botanical Name: | Diospyros olen |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: indoor pot or sheltered outdoor location
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
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:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerate partial shade but may reduce fruiting.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to intense light, protect from direct midday sun, adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates brief dips to 50°F (10°C) but thrives in warmth.
Avoid sudden temperature swings; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
monthly during growing season, every 2 months in winter
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or air layering; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity.
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 and perlite or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading cuts to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, encourage fruiting and airflow.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruners or loppers, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Use fresh well-draining soil, trim rootbound roots, ensure drainage holes are clear.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; essential for healthy growth and fruiting.
Checklist
Check root boundness, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly after repotting.
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 organic matter for fertility, ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, slowed growth, or bud drop in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dormancy; prolonged cold can damage roots.
Solution: Move to a warmer spot, insulate roots, avoid cold drafts, protect from frost.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced fruiting due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, stop in dormant season.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; cease in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxins present in unripe fruits and seeds of Diospyros oleifera. Ingestion can lead to severe gastrointestinal and neurological complications.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicDogs are susceptible to toxicity from unripe fruits and seeds of Diospyros oleifera. The toxic compounds can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and neurological disturbances in canines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicDiospyros oleifera contains toxic compounds, primarily in unripe fruits and seeds, which can cause significant physiological distress upon ingestion. The toxins interfere with gastrointestinal and neurological functions, leading to adverse health effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Olen Persimmon tree suitable for small gardens?
A: Yes, it is a relatively compact tree that can thrive in smaller garden spaces.
Q: Are the fruits of Diospyros olen edible?
A: Yes, the fruits are edible and often enjoyed when ripe.
Q: Does this plant require full sun?
A: It prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and fruit production.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ebenaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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