Miracle Berry Plant

Miracle Berry Plant Care

Synsepalum dulcificum

What is the plant

A European explorer, the Chevalier des Marchais, first provided an account of the use of miracle berry plants on the territories of West Africa as early as 1725. This small tree comes from a humid tropical climate and does not tolerate cold.

Synsepalum dulcificum (same as Pouteria dulcifica) is an evergreen shrub from tropical West Africa and a part of the Sapotaceae family. S. dulcificum can grow up to 10-20 ft (3-6 m) with evergreen, dark green, and large oval leaves arranged into a spiral. It is often called a miracle berry tree because its small fruit contains miraculin, a sweetness-inducing protein.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

14°C - 18°C

Hardiness zone

10a - 11

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Watering should be regular to keep the substrate fresh but without stagnant water. Miracle berry trees love spraying or very humid air.
Pruning
These plants do not need pruning and crown formation, but their slow growth makes them great for forming bonsai.
Fertilizer
Feed your miracle berry plant from March to the end of August every 14 days with mineral and organic fertilizers.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
The miracle berry tree is a real heat-loving plant that needs plenty of light and is tolerant of full sunshine.
Soil
Synsepalum dulcificum prefers acidic, well-drained, and even loose soil. It will grow at its best if the soil’s pH ranges from 4.5 to 5.8.
Propagation
It is possible to propagate the miracle berry tree by seeds in spring, while their germination may be problematic without acceleration. Soak overnight the freshly-obtained seeds after sowing the shell in a solution of growth stimulant.

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Temperature
It is best to place the plant in winter in a cool room at a temperature not exceeding 64 °F (18 °C) to promote fruiting, which begins in August. In summer, the lowest appropriate temperature is 77 °F (25 °C).
Container
The plants will feel great in a container or tub, planted as deep as at least 0.6 in (1.5 cm). A good solution to the problem of humidity can be placing a pot with a plant in the aquarium, with a layer of moist expanded clay at the bottom.
Fun fact
The fruits of the miracle berry tree became fashionable in the U.S. in the late 2000s due to flavor-tripping parties, during which visitors, having taken a berry, tried familiar dishes with unexpected flavors.