Surinam Cherry Plant Care

Surinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Eugenia genus. Surinam Cherry is native to tropical South America's east coast, ranging from Suriname, French Guiana to southern Brazil, as well as Uruguay and parts of Paraguay and Argentina. Surinam Cherry is also known as Pitanga, Brazilian Cherry, Cayenne Cherry.

Surinam Cherry displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Surinam Cherry produces small, white, fragrant flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Surinam Cherry 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.

Surinam Cherry thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Surinam Cherry in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Eugenia uniflora tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Surinam Cherry prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Surinam Cherry 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

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.

Surinam Cherry is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Surinam Cherry 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.

Prune Surinam Cherry 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.

Surinam Cherry 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.

Surinam Cherry can be propagated through cuttings, air layering, seeds.

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

Surinam Cherry 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.

Surinam Cherry grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Surinam Cherry is native to tropical South America's east coast, ranging from Suriname, French Guiana to southern Brazil, as well as Uruguay and parts of Paraguay and Argentina. In cooler regions, grow Surinam Cherry as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.