Biriba Plant Care

Biriba (Rollinia mucosa) belongs to the Annonaceae family within the Rollinia genus. Biriba is native to tropical South America. Biriba is also known as Wild Sugar Apple.

Biriba displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Biriba produces small, yellow-green flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Biriba every 7–10 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.

Biriba thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Rollinia mucosa tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Biriba 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 compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Biriba to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Biriba 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 compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Biriba is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.

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.

Biriba 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 Biriba 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.

Biriba 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.

Biriba can be propagated through seeds, air-layering.

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

Biriba is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Biriba grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Biriba is native to tropical South America. In cooler regions, grow Biriba as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.