Sweet Durian Plant Care

Sweet Durian (Durio dulcis) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Durio genus. Sweet Durian is also known as Red Durian.

Sweet Durian displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Sweet Durian produces large, showy flowers with a strong odor.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Sweet Durian 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.

Sweet Durian thrives in full sun.

Durio dulcis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Sweet Durian prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Sweet Durian 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 and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Sweet Durian 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.

Sweet Durian 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.

Prune Sweet Durian 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.

Sweet Durian 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.

Sweet Durian can be propagated through seeds, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wild durian plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Sweet Durian is susceptible to fruit flies, mealybugs, 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.

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