
Photo: Marcio Santos FerreiraCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Amazon Jungle Plum Plant Care
Eugenia stipitata McVaugh
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's glossy, lance-shaped leaves are its most distinctive visual feature, originating from the tropical regions of South America. Plant collectors are drawn to Eugenia stipitata for its rare and unique fruit that is highly sought after for its sweet and tangy flavor.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Amazon Jungle Plum?
Plant Amazon Jungle Plum in bright indirect light (USDA zones 10b–12b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Amazon Jungle Plum Native To?
What Is the Amazon Jungle Plum?
Amazon Jungle Plum (Eugenia stipitata) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Eugenia genus. Amazon Jungle Plum is native to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. Amazon Jungle Plum is also known as Araza, Arazá.
Amazon Jungle Plum displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Amazon Jungle Plum produces small, white, fragrant flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Amazon Jungle Plum?
Water a young or newly planted Amazon Jungle Plum every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Amazon Jungle Plum Need?
Amazon Jungle Plum thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Amazon Jungle Plum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Amazon Jungle Plum Prefer?
Eugenia stipitata tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Amazon Jungle Plum prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Amazon Jungle Plum?
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Amazon Jungle Plum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Amazon Jungle Plum?
Feed Amazon Jungle Plum every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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 Amazon Jungle Plum?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Amazon Jungle Plum is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Amazon Jungle Plum?
Amazon Jungle Plum can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Amazon Jungle Plum?
Prune Amazon Jungle 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 shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Amazon Jungle Plum in Winter?
Amazon Jungle 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.
How Do You Propagate a Amazon Jungle Plum?
Amazon Jungle Plum can be propagated through cuttings, air layering, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mountain stopper plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Amazon Jungle Plum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Amazon Jungle 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 Amazon Jungle Plum?
Amazon Jungle Plum is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Amazon Jungle Plum Need?
Amazon Jungle Plum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Amazon Jungle Plum is native to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Amazon Jungle Plum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Amazon Jungle 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 Eugenia genus — compare its care with other Eugenia species on PlantoScan.
Eugenia is part of the Myrtaceae plant family — browse all Myrtaceae genera and species.
Amazon Jungle Plum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Eugenia Species
Other Eugenia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Eugenia stipitata McVaugh, family Myrtaceae (first published in Fieldiana, Bot. 29: 219 (1956)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Amazon Jungle 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.
- Photo: Marcio Santos Ferreira, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
