Pouteria franciscana Plant Care

Pouteria franciscana (Pouteria franciscana) belongs to the Sapotaceae family within the Pouteria genus. Pouteria franciscana is native to Brazil.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pouteria franciscana 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.

Pouteria franciscana thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

Feed Pouteria franciscana 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.

Pouteria franciscana 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.

Pouteria franciscana 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 Pouteria franciscana 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.

Pouteria franciscana 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.

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

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

Pouteria franciscana 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.

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