Cherry of the Rio Grande Plant Care

Cherry of the Rio Grande (Bunchosia glandulifera) belongs to the Malpighiaceae family within the Bunchosia genus. Cherry of the Rio Grande is native to Central America and South America. Cherry of the Rio Grande is also known as Plum, Sweet Cherry.

Cherry of the Rio Grande displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Cherry of the Rio Grande produces small yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cherry of the Rio Grande 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.

Cherry of the Rio Grande thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Bunchosia glandulifera tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Cherry of the Rio Grande prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Cherry of the Rio Grande to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cherry of the Rio Grande 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 moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cherry of the Rio Grande is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Cherry of the Rio Grande can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 Cherry of the Rio Grande 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.

Cherry of the Rio Grande is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Cherry of the Rio Grande can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to peanut butter tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Cherry of the Rio Grande is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. 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.

Cherry of the Rio Grande grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Cherry of the Rio Grande is native to Central America and South America. In cooler regions, grow Cherry of the Rio Grande as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.