Java Plum Plant Care

Java Plum (Prunus javanica) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Prunus genus. Java Plum is native to India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Myanmar. Java Plum is also known as Javanese Plum, Black Plum, Damson Plum.

Java Plum displays an upright, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Java Plum produces showy clusters of white or pink blossoms.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Java 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.

Java Plum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Prunus javanica tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F. Java Plum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Java Plum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Java 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 good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Java Plum is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 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.

Java Plum can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 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 Java 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.

Java 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.

Java Plum can be propagated through softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to apricot tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Java Plum is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.

Java Plum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Java Plum is native to India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Myanmar. In cooler regions, grow Java Plum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.