African peach Plant Care

African peach (Synsepalum revolutum) belongs to the Sapotaceae family within the Synsepalum genus. African peach is native to west and west central tropical Africa. African peach is also known as miracle fruit.

African peach displays a slow-growing tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. African peach produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African peach 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 peach thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing African peach in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Synsepalum revolutum tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. African peach prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for African peach to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African peach 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 bright indirect light and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African peach is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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 peach 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 peach 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 peach 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 peach can be propagated through seeds, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to miracle fruit plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African peach is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, 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 peach grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. African peach is native to west and west central tropical Africa. In cooler regions, grow African peach as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.