Velvetleaf Hog Plum Plant Care

Velvetleaf Hog Plum (Cyrtocarpa velutinifolia) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Cyrtocarpa genus. Velvetleaf Hog Plum is native to tropical South America, ranging from Curaçao to Venezuela, northeastern Colombia, Guyana, and Roraima state of northern Brazil.

Velvetleaf Hog Plum displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Velvetleaf Hog Plum produces small clusters of white or cream-colored flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Velvetleaf Hog Plum 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.

Velvetleaf Hog Plum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Cyrtocarpa velutinifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Velvetleaf Hog Plum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Velvetleaf Hog Plum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Velvetleaf Hog Plum 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.

Velvetleaf Hog Plum 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.

Velvetleaf Hog Plum can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 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 Velvetleaf Hog Plum 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.

Velvetleaf Hog Plum 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.

Velvetleaf Hog Plum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chirimoya plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Velvetleaf Hog Plum is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.

Velvetleaf Hog Plum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Velvetleaf Hog Plum is native to tropical South America, ranging from Curaçao to Venezuela, northeastern Colombia, Guyana, and Roraima state of northern Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Velvetleaf Hog Plum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.