African breadfruit Plant Care

African breadfruit (Glyphaea tomentosa) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Glyphaea genus. African breadfruit is native to Malawi and Mozambique. African breadfruit is also known as velvet-leaved breadfruit.

African breadfruit displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. African breadfruit produces showy, colorful blooms in shades of pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African breadfruit every 7–10 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.

African breadfruit thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Glyphaea tomentosa tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. African breadfruit prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for African breadfruit to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African breadfruit 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 compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African breadfruit is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 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.

African breadfruit can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 African breadfruit 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.

African breadfruit 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.

African breadfruit can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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African breadfruit is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, 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.

African breadfruit grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. African breadfruit is native to Malawi and Mozambique. In cooler regions, grow African breadfruit as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.