Seychelles medlar Plant Care

Seychelles medlar (Mimusops sechellarum) belongs to the Sapotaceae family within the Mimusops genus. Seychelles medlar is native to Seychelles.

Seychelles medlar displays a tall evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Seychelles medlar produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Seychelles medlar 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.

Seychelles medlar thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Mimusops sechellarum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Seychelles medlar prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Seychelles medlar 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 organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Seychelles medlar 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.

Seychelles medlar can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Seychelles medlar 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.

Seychelles medlar 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.

Seychelles medlar can be propagated through seeds, air-layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to balata plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Seychelles medlar is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, 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.

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