Wild Jackfruit Plant Care

Wild Jackfruit (Artocarpus nobilis) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Artocarpus genus. Wild Jackfruit is native to south western regions of Sri Lanka. Wild Jackfruit is also known as Hathidiyambala, Kala Hiti, Kiri Hiti.

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

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Wild Jackfruit 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.

Wild Jackfruit thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Artocarpus nobilis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Wild Jackfruit 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 Wild Jackfruit to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Wild Jackfruit 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.

Wild Jackfruit is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

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.

Wild Jackfruit 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 Wild Jackfruit 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.

Wild Jackfruit is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

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

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Wild Jackfruit 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.

Wild Jackfruit grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Wild Jackfruit is native to south western regions of Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow Wild Jackfruit as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.