Amapa star apple Plant Care

Amapa star apple (Pouteria amapaensis) belongs to the Sapotaceae family within the Pouteria genus. Amapa star apple is native to Brazil.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Amapa star apple 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.

Amapa star apple thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Pouteria amapaensis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Amapa star apple 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 Amapa star apple to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Amapa star apple 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.

Amapa star apple 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.

Amapa star apple 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 Amapa star apple 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.

Amapa star apple 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.

Amapa star apple can be propagated through seeds, air-layering, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mamey sapote plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Amapa star apple is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

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