Jacaratia spinosa Plant Care

Jacaratia spinosa (Jacaratia spinosa) belongs to the Caricaceae family within the Jacaratia genus. Jacaratia spinosa is native to the tropical dry forests of central and southern Mexico, Nicaragua, and El Salvador.

Jacaratia spinosa displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Jacaratia spinosa produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Jacaratia spinosa 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.

Jacaratia spinosa thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Jacaratia spinosa tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Jacaratia spinosa prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Jacaratia spinosa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Jacaratia spinosa 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, rich loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Jacaratia spinosa is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Jacaratia spinosa 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 Jacaratia spinosa 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.

Jacaratia spinosa 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.

Jacaratia spinosa can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to jacaratia mexicana plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Jacaratia spinosa 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.

Jacaratia spinosa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Jacaratia spinosa is native to the tropical dry forests of central and southern Mexico, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. In cooler regions, grow Jacaratia spinosa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.