Caryocar amygdaliferum Plant Care
Caryocar amygdaliferum Mutis
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Caryocar amygdaliferum is a plant native to the rain forests of the Choco region of Colombia and Panama. Its fruit consists of a spiny husk inside which a seed about three times the size of an almond develops.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Caryocar amygdaliferum?
Plant Caryocar amygdaliferum in full sun (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 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Caryocar amygdaliferum?
Caryocar amygdaliferum (Caryocar amygdaliferum) belongs to the Caryocaraceae family within the Caryocar genus. Caryocar amygdaliferum is native to the rain forests of the Choco region of Colombia and Panama.
Caryocar amygdaliferum displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Caryocar amygdaliferum produces small, fragrant yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Caryocar amygdaliferum?
Water a young or newly planted Caryocar amygdaliferum 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 Caryocar amygdaliferum Need?
Caryocar amygdaliferum thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Caryocar amygdaliferum Prefer?
Caryocar amygdaliferum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Caryocar amygdaliferum 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 Caryocar amygdaliferum?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Caryocar amygdaliferum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Caryocar amygdaliferum?
Feed Caryocar amygdaliferum every 8 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 8 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 Caryocar amygdaliferum?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Caryocar amygdaliferum 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 Caryocar amygdaliferum?
Caryocar amygdaliferum can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 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 Caryocar amygdaliferum?
Prune Caryocar amygdaliferum 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 Caryocar amygdaliferum in Winter?
Caryocar amygdaliferum 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 Caryocar amygdaliferum?
Caryocar amygdaliferum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to caryocar amygdaliforme plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Caryocar amygdaliferum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Caryocar amygdaliferum, 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 Caryocar amygdaliferum?
Caryocar amygdaliferum is susceptible to scale insects, caterpillars. 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 Caryocar amygdaliferum Need?
Caryocar amygdaliferum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Caryocar amygdaliferum is native to the rain forests of the Choco region of Colombia and Panama. In cooler regions, grow Caryocar amygdaliferum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Caryocar amygdaliferum 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 Caryocar genus — compare its care with other Caryocar species on PlantoScan.
Caryocar is part of the Caryocaraceae plant family — browse all Caryocaraceae genera and species.
Caryocar amygdaliferum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Caryocar amygdaliferum Mutis, family Caryocaraceae (first published in Icon. 4: 37 (1798)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Caryocar amygdaliferum, 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.
