Akee Plant Care

Akee (Blighia sapida) belongs to the Sapindaceae family within the Blighia genus. Akee is native to tropical West Africa. Akee is also known as Akee Apple, Ackee.

Akee displays a medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Akee produces small white to greenish flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Akee 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.

Akee thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

Feed Akee 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 organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Akee is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.

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.

Akee 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 Akee 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.

Akee is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Akee can be propagated through seeds.

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

Akee is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

Akee grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Akee is native to tropical West Africa. In cooler regions, grow Akee as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.