Malay cherry Plant Care

Malay cherry (Prunus malayana) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Prunus genus. Malay cherry is native to Peninsular Malaysia. Malay cherry is also known as Philippine wild almond.

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

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Malay cherry 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.

Malay cherry thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Prunus malayana tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F. Malay cherry prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Malay cherry 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.

Malay cherry 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.

Malay cherry 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 Malay cherry 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.

Malay cherry 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.

Malay cherry 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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Malay cherry 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.

Malay cherry grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Malay cherry is native to Peninsular Malaysia. In cooler regions, grow Malay cherry as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.