Eggfruit Plant Care

Eggfruit (Planchonella tahitensis) belongs to the Sapotaceae family within the Planchonella genus. Eggfruit is native to the islands of the south Pacific, including the Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, the Samoan Islands, Society Islands, Tonga, Tuamotu, Tubuai Islands, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna. Eggfruit is also known as Yellow Sapote, Wild Plum.

Eggfruit displays a tall tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Eggfruit produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Eggfruit 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.

Eggfruit thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Planchonella tahitensis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Eggfruit 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 Eggfruit to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Eggfruit 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.

Eggfruit is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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.

Eggfruit 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 Eggfruit 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.

Eggfruit is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Eggfruit can be propagated through seeds, air-layering, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to smooth-leaved applewood plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Eggfruit 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.

Eggfruit grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Eggfruit is native to the islands of the south Pacific, including the Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, the Samoan Islands, Society Islands, Tonga, Tuamotu, Tubuai Islands, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna. In cooler regions, grow Eggfruit as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.