Annonaceae
Soursop: Edible Plant
Annona muricata
Soursop thrives in warm, humid climates, requiring full sun and soil rich in organic matter with excellent drainage.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
18° - 35°C
60% - 90%
Categories
What is Soursop?
Soursop (Annona muricata) is a medium-care plant from the Annonaceae family. Annona muricata, popularly known as soursop, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree native to the tropical regions of the Americas and the Caribbean. It produces large, green fruits with soft spines, whose white pulp is widely appreciated for its sweet-and-sour flavor and creamy texture. In addit...
Soursop grows up to 9.0m, with spread of 400cm, watering every 7 days, 18°C â 35°C, 60â90% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Soursop?
TLDR: Soursop needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 18-35°C with 60-90% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Soursop?
Keep the soil moist but never waterlogged. Reduce watering during the winter months or dormancy periods.
How Much Light Does Soursop Need?
Place in a location with direct sunlight for at least 6 hours daily to ensure fruit production.
What Is the Best Soil for Soursop?
Mix potting soil, worm castings, and coarse sand to ensure nutrition and fast drainage.
What Pot Should You Use for Soursop?
Large-volume ceramic or terracotta pots (minimum 50 liters for adult plants) with generous drainage holes.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 60 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Soursop and Where Does It Come From?
Annona muricata, popularly known as soursop, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree native to the tropical regions of the Americas and the Caribbean. It produces large, green fruits with soft spines, whose white pulp is widely appreciated for its sweet-and-sour flavor and creamy texture. In addition to its fruits, the plant is valued for its traditional medicinal properties, although its seeds contain neurotoxic compounds that require caution.
How to Propagate Soursop?
Sowing
- Fresh seeds have a higher germination rate.
- Avoid seeds that float in water, as they may not be viable.
- 1 Extraction
Extract seeds from ripe fruits and wash them well to remove pulp residue.
- 2 Planting
Sow in individual containers with light, well-drained substrate at a depth of 1-2 cm.
- 3 Maintenance
Keep the substrate constantly moist and in a warm, bright location.
Materials needed:
Bud or cleft grafting
- Keep the grafted plant in the shade until fully healed.
- Use properly sterilized cutting tools.
- 1 Rootstock Preparation
Select a healthy Annona rootstock about 1 year old.
- 2 Union
Perform the cut and insert the scion of the desired productive variety, ensuring cambium contact.
- 3 Protection
Protect the union with grafting tape to prevent air entry and dehydration.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Soursop Grow?
TLDR: Soursop can reach up to 9.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
9.0m
Spread
4.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal Uses
- Aid in treating inflammation
- Mild sedative properties
- Traditional use of leaves for blood pressure control
Culinary Uses
- Juices and nectars
- Ice creams and popsicles
- Mousses and desserts
- Fresh consumption of the pulp
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Symbolizes nature's generosity and healing through the fruits of the earth.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flamingo Flower | Medium | Partial shade | 5d | â ïļ |
| Prayer Plant | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
| Boston Fern | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
| Weeping Fig | Medium | Partial shade | 10d | â ïļ |
