African cherry Plant Care

African cherry (Sorindeia africana var. lastoursvillensis) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Sorindeia genus. African cherry is native to West Africa. African cherry is also known as wild custard apple.

African cherry displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. African cherry produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African 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.

African cherry thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Sorindeia africana var. lastoursvillensis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. African cherry prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for African cherry to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

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

African cherry 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.

African cherry can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 African 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.

African cherry 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.

African cherry can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african sumac plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African cherry 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.

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