Burdekin Plum Plant Care

Burdekin Plum (Pleiogynium timoriense) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Pleiogynium genus. Burdekin Plum is native to Malesia, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Burdekin Plum is also known as Native Plum, Sweet Plum.

Burdekin Plum displays a tall tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Burdekin Plum produces small white clusters in panicles.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Burdekin Plum 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.

Burdekin Plum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Pleiogynium timoriense tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Burdekin Plum 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 Burdekin Plum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Burdekin Plum 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.

Burdekin Plum is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 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.

Burdekin Plum 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 Burdekin Plum 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.

Burdekin Plum 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.

Burdekin Plum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Burdekin Plum is susceptible to scale insects, mites, caterpillars. 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.

Burdekin Plum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Burdekin Plum is native to Malesia, Australia and the Pacific Islands. In cooler regions, grow Burdekin Plum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.