Sapodilla/ zapote (manilkara zapota) tropical live fruit tree 12”-24”

What Does Tropical Plant Mean? A tropical plant is a plant that grows naturally in a tropical climate. A tropical climate is typically hot and humid, with temperatures constantly exceeding 18 degrees Celsius / 64 fahrenheit with zero frost days. In colder climates north of the equator, tropical plants can be grown as houseplants and set outside during the warm, sunny months. Commercially, tropical plants can be grown in colder climates, but they must be grown inside greenhouses and with other forms of controlled environment agriculture. The term tropical plant refers to any type of plant that naturally flourishes in an environment that resembles the Tropics, a region of the Earth surrounding the equator.Manilkara is a fairly fast-growing, long-lived tree, upright and elegant, distinctly pyramidal when young and capable of reaching 40 feet when full grown. It is strong and wind-resistant with highly ornamental, glossy evergreen leaves. Small bell like flowers, bloom on slender stalks from the leaf base. Fruit varies in shape but is generally orb like with a smooth skin when ripe. Juicy, pear-like flavor is found in the interior with the yellowish brown to reddish brown flesh. The fruits mature 4 to 6 months after flowering and should be eaten when the pulp is soft-firm. TROPICAL TREE CARE Tropical trees grow happily while flowering and fruiting in a pot or in-ground. They will add an edible accent to your outdoor space, garden or patio. In cooler zones a containerized tree can be relocated indoors for the winter months. When you receive your new tree, there is no need to worry about planting it right away. Your new plant can be stored for a while by simply placing it in a bucket with about a half inch of water and moving it to a shady location, simply keep moist. This will give you plenty of time to select the ideal location for your new tropical tree. CONTAINER SIZE All tropical fruiting varieties grow very well in containers, indoors or on the patio. Smaller varieties grow best in 12″ to 16″ diameter pots while larger varieties need enough room for growth, generally a 16″ to 30″ diameter, 14 ” deep container will suffice. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and healthier your tree will be. When the tree becomes root bound its growth will slow, at that point it is time for a larger pot. SOIL Sapodilla Fruit Trees enjoy a well drained, general potting mix easily found at your local box store. Remember try to stay away from arid or wet, mucky soils. FERTILIZER To help establish your new Sapodilla Fruit Tree, fertilize sparingly ten inches away from the base, tri-annually with a slow time released product. Unfertilized they will tend to grow at a slower pace. Note: The heavy salts in cheaper fertilizers will damage the roots and possibly kill the plant. Its best to use a brand you know and trust. GROW ZONE & LIGHT Best outdoors if grown in zone 10a-11, find your zone here. This tree requires 80-100% sunlight. Depending on your location full sun is often best. In the northern end of their grow zone Sapodilla Fruit Trees should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months. The patio zone is 4b-11 which means the potted tree will flourish over the summer months in colder zones but must be brought inside before winter. BEFORE YOU PLANT OUTDOORS At the nursery these trees are grown under 20-40% shade cloth. If you plant this tree in a brightly lit area you may experience leaf burn. It is best to acclimate this plant to its environment by keeping it outside and slowly moving it into a sunny area over a week or two to avoid stress before planting.