Gandaria Plant Care

Gandaria (Bouea macrophylla) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Bouea genus. Gandaria is native to Southeast Asia. Gandaria is also known as Marian Plum, Mayong, Pond Apple.

Gandaria displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Gandaria produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Gandaria every 7–10 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.

Gandaria thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Bouea macrophylla tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Gandaria 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 Gandaria to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Gandaria 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.

Gandaria is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 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.

Gandaria can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Gandaria 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.

Gandaria 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.

Gandaria can be propagated through seeds, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kamban plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Gandaria is susceptible to scale insects, fruit flies. 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.

Gandaria grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Gandaria is native to Southeast Asia. In cooler regions, grow Gandaria as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.