Tamaran Plant Care

Artocarpus tamaran Becc.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Artocarpus tamaran, also known as elephant jack in English, tarap tempunan in Malay, and more locally as timbangan, tamaran, entawa or wi yang, is a species of flowering plant, a fruit tree in the fig family, that is native to Southeast Asia.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Tamaran?

Plant Tamaran in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Tamaran Native To?

Native range11 countries

What Is the Tamaran?

Tamaran (Artocarpus tamaran) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Artocarpus genus. Tamaran is native to Southeast Asia.

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

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Tamaran?

Water a young or newly planted Tamaran 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Tamaran Need?

Tamaran thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tamaran Prefer?

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

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tamaran?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Tamaran?

Feed Tamaran 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

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

Where Should You Plant a Tamaran?

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.

Tamaran 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Tamaran?

Tamaran 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.

How Do You Prune a Tamaran?

Prune Tamaran 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.

How Do You Care for a Tamaran in Winter?

Tamaran 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.

How Do You Propagate a Tamaran?

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

Is the Tamaran Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Tamaran, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

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

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Tamaran?

Tamaran 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Tamaran Need?

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

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Tamaran is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Artocarpus genus — compare its care with other Artocarpus species on PlantoScan.

Artocarpus is part of the Moraceae plant family — browse all Moraceae genera and species.

Tamaran thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Artocarpus Species

Other Artocarpus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Artocarpus tamaran Becc., family Moraceae (first published in Nelle Forest. Borneo : 626 (1902)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tamaran, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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