Breadfruit Plant Care

Breadfruit (Artocarpus altissimus) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Artocarpus genus. Breadfruit is native to Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia.

Breadfruit displays a large, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Breadfruit produces inconspicuous flowers enclosed in multiple fruiting structures.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Breadfruit every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Breadfruit thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Artocarpus altissimus tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Breadfruit prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Breadfruit to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Breadfruit every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Breadfruit is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Breadfruit can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Breadfruit while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Breadfruit is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Breadfruit can be propagated through seeds, air-layering, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to breadfruit plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Breadfruit is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Breadfruit grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Breadfruit is native to Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia. In cooler regions, grow Breadfruit as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.