Chimanta Plum Plant Care

Dacryodes chimantensis Steyerm. & Maguire

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant is easily recognized by its large, glossy, dark green leaves with prominent veins. Originating from the Chimantá Massif in Venezuela, this species is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rarity and unique appearance, making it a prized addition to any collection.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Chimanta Plum?

Plant Chimanta Plum in full sun to partial shade (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 6 months during the growing season.

What Is the Chimanta Plum?

Chimanta Plum (Dacryodes chimantensis) belongs to the Burseraceae family within the Dacryodes genus. Chimanta Plum is native to Venezuela.

Chimanta Plum displays a medium-sized tree, upright growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Chimanta Plum produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Chimanta Plum?

Water a young or newly planted Chimanta 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Chimanta Plum Need?

Chimanta Plum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Chimanta Plum Prefer?

Dacryodes chimantensis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Chimanta Plum 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 Chimanta Plum?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Chimanta Plum?

Feed Chimanta 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 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 Chimanta Plum?

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.

Chimanta Plum 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 Chimanta Plum?

Chimanta 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.

How Do You Prune a Chimanta Plum?

Prune Chimanta 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.

How Do You Care for a Chimanta Plum in Winter?

Chimanta Plum 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 Chimanta Plum?

Chimanta Plum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to dacryodes costata plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Chimanta Plum Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Chimanta Plum, 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 Chimanta Plum?

Chimanta Plum is susceptible to 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Chimanta Plum Need?

Chimanta Plum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Chimanta Plum is native to Venezuela. In cooler regions, grow Chimanta Plum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Chimanta Plum 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 Dacryodes genus — compare its care with other Dacryodes species on PlantoScan.

Dacryodes is part of the Burseraceae plant family — browse all Burseraceae genera and species.

Chimanta Plum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Dacryodes Species

Other Dacryodes species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Dacryodes chimantensis Steyerm. & Maguire, family Burseraceae (first published in Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 17(1): 445 (1967)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Chimanta Plum, 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.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
Chimanta Plum Instantly

Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species