Andaman Berry Plant Care

Andaman Berry (Diospyros kurzii) belongs to the Ebenaceae family within the Diospyros genus. Andaman Berry is native to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Burma, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, the Philippines and Maluku. Andaman Berry is also known as Kurz's Persimmon.

Andaman Berry displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Andaman Berry produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Andaman Berry 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.

Andaman Berry thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Diospyros kurzii tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Andaman Berry prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Andaman Berry to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Andaman Berry 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 like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Andaman Berry is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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.

Andaman Berry can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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.

Prune Andaman Berry 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.

Andaman Berry is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Andaman Berry can be propagated through seeds, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to japanese persimmon plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Andaman Berry is susceptible to aphids, 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.

Andaman Berry grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Andaman Berry is native to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Burma, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, the Philippines and Maluku. In cooler regions, grow Andaman Berry as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.