Jackfruit, Jackfruit Tree, Artocarpus heterophyllus – Care

In our latitudes, the tropical plant with the impressive fruits can only be cultivated in a bucket or greenhouse. However, the jackfruit tree makes few demands on the hobby gardener. A place in full sun is just as gratefully accepted as a location in the light penumbra. You should only avoid dark places, as the growth pattern and the resilience of the evergreen plant visibly suffer here. In the warm summer months you can easily keep the plant on the balcony or terrace. The Indian plant adorns conservatories or other bright, warm rooms in the house all year round.

The substrate in the planter must be rich in humus and permeable. If you use normal potting soil, you should mix it with hummus from the garden. In addition, materials such as expanded clay or lava chippings ensure that the soil does not compact even when it is excessively wet.

fertilizing and watering

Artocarpus heterophyllus should be supplied with nutrients regularly during the main growing season. From April to the end of August, liquid fertilizer is given every 1 to 2 weeks. The correct dosage can be found in the package instructions, whereby the following applies here: less is more. In order to distribute the fertilizer evenly in the substrate, you should mix it directly with the irrigation water. Do not fertilize in winter, otherwise the tropical plant could suffer damage. If over-fertilized, the leaves will discolour and fall off. In such a case, you should immediately transfer the jackfruit tree to lean substrate and completely forego the nutrient supply for 3 to 5 weeks.

The mulberry family prefers high humidity and constantly moist soil. Even if the plant is originally native to the tropics, it does not tolerate waterlogging. A drainage at the bottom of the bucket ensures that excess water masses are removed more quickly. In this way, the sensitive roots cannot be damaged and sac fungi cannot cause root rot. The evergreen jackfruit must not be neglected in the winter quarters. Also water here every now and then with lime-free, stagnant water. Unlike in the summer months, it is sufficient if the top layer of soil has dried noticeably before you water it again. If you have completely forgotten the water supply for a while, you should treat the container plant to a water bath:

• Place the potted plant complete with the pot in a container with water.
• Move back and forth carefully.
• Only remove the bucket when no more air bubbles rise from the substrate.

plants and repotting

Jackfruit trees can grow to a height of up to 4 meters when cultivated in pots. With the right care and the ideal location. You should take this fact into account before buying the tropical mulberry plant. The tree unfolds its full splendor in a fixed location, such as in the conservatory or in a bright, warm room. You can also keep the jackfruit in the greenhouse all year round, provided it has enough space and the necessary minimum temperature of 15°C. There is very little to consider when planting, the same instructions apply as for other potted plants. Select a sturdy planter that is only about 3 to 4 centimeters larger than the jackfruit root ball.

• Container plants should be planted or repotted in spring or fall.
• A drainage made of porous, non-rotting material at the bottom of the container is important.
• Apply 3 to 4 centimeters thick substrate.
• Insert the plant and fill the container with soil.
• Cavities are removed by gently pressing and tapping.
• Pour firmly.

Freshly sprouted or purchased plants should not be exposed to direct sunlight immediately. Allow the plants to get used to it slowly to avoid damage to the evergreen leaves. Repot after 3 to 4 years, or at the latest when the roots of the tropical plant completely and visibly fill the container. The best time for this step is early March, before the plant fully awakens from its hibernation. Here, too, the planter should only be a few centimeters larger than the one used previously, the old substrate is removed from the root network as much as possible.

multiply

Jackfruit plants can be successfully propagated by seeds. The exotic fruit, weighing several kilograms, is available in well-stocked supermarkets or in specialist fruit shops. Carefully remove the seeds from the ripe fruit and clean the seeds in distilled water. The seeds must be planted as soon as possible, storage or drying is not possible.

The longer you wait, the more germination decreases.

• Choose a shallow seed tray.
• Use lean soil, coir or perlite.
• Location must be bright and warm.
• The ambient temperature should be between 22° – 25°C.
• Keep the substrate evenly moist with a water sprayer.

To increase the humidity, you should stretch a perforated, transparent film over the entire growing tray. Remove the film for 2 to 3 hours daily to allow air circulation to prevent mold growth in the soil. When the first shoot tips appear depends on various factors. Jackfruit seeds usually take between 14 and 21 days to germinate.

To cut

The tree with the largest fruit in the world requires no pruning or pruning. Rather, there is a risk that improperly removed shoots can lead to infection by viruses and fungal pathogens. If you still want to cut back the jackfruit, proceed carefully and only use well-cleaned and sharpened tools. While dead and diseased plant parts can be eliminated year-round, you should only attempt any potential pruning in early spring. The plant is thus able to quickly close cut wounds itself as a result of the early budding.

hibernate

As a tropical plant, the jackfruit tree likes it toasty warm even in winter. Temperatures of 15°C are the absolute minimum, but the evergreen plant feels comfortable between 20°-22°C. Even the sunlight should not be missing in the cold season. The evergreen plant absolutely does not tolerate a dreary winter quarters in the garage or in a warm cellar. In addition to drought, a lack of light is also a reason for increased leaf loss in winter. Important: Avoid being in direct proximity to active radiators and do not expose the plant to draughts.

Finding the right time to move to the winter quarters is difficult. However, the jackfruit makes it easy for you, because the plant can even cope with low temperatures of up to 5°C for a short time. Follow the weather and bring the plant to safety before the first frosty degrees.

diseases and pests

Even with the right care, harmful insects and fungal pathogens often visit. Despite its exotic origins, the jackfruit tree is not safe from native pests. Take effective countermeasures immediately to avoid consequential damage to the plant and to prevent the pests and fungi from spreading.

Scale
insects You should definitely not make a mistake with these pests: resort to chemical agents. Because the insects develop a resistance to the active ingredients within a very short time. In order to get rid of the pests sticking to the underside of the leaves and the stems, you should rather rely on biological substances.

• Apply a solution of soft soap, water and alcohol to the affected areas.
• Dab olive oil on the scale insects.
• Spray a mixture of nasturtium , fern and water once a week.

Don’t lose patience, because getting rid of lice completely takes time. Removing shells stuck to the plant is discouraged. Because under these sits the voracious offspring of the insects, which are spread over a large area through improper handling.

Spider mites
A sticky plant surface, silver-colored sprinkles on the leaves, as well as withered leaves and shoot tips indicate insects sucking cell sap. The mites, which are only a few millimeters in size, prefer to attack indoor plants in winter. Dry room air and heat promote the infestation. To get rid of the pests, you can use various control measures. A combination of these is often necessary, since spider mites are considered to be extremely stubborn.

• Rinse the plant with a hard jet of water in the shower or bath.
• Wipe infected parts of the plant with soapy water.
• Briefly increase air humidity by completely wrapping in foil.

Prevention is more effective than eliminating spider mites. Ensure a high level of humidity in the room, for example by activating an indoor fountain or setting up vessels with water.

Root rot
If the roots of the exotic plants come into contact with irrigation or rainwater for too long, there is a risk of colonization with ascomycetes. By secreting toxic substances, these ensure that the subterranean plant parts slowly decompose. A musty smell and a dying plant are a clear indication of advanced root rot. There are no effective commercially available fungicides. You can only try to save the plant by immediately converting it to dry substrate. Affected roots should not be removed. If the infestation has not progressed too far, the plant will recover.

frequently asked Questions

Does the jackfruit tree in the conservatory also bear fruit?

Older plants in the tub can certainly produce isolated fruits. However, these are considerably smaller in size and weight than one is used to from the imposing specimens in tropical countries. Let the fruit ripen directly on the tree before you start harvesting. You can promote the development of the flowers by watering the plant regularly and ensuring a constantly high level of humidity.

Is there a special winter protection to plant the plants outdoors permanently?

Artocarpus heterophyllus is not suitable for permanent cultivation in the garden. Even if the plant survives single-digit temperatures for a short time, it should not be exposed to them in the long term. Despite a warm cover made of bark mulch, brushwood or winter fleece, you will not get the jackfruit through the cold season safely and unscathed. Temperatures of at least 15°C are the basic requirement for healthy and lush growth.