Bilimbi

Bilimbi Care

Averrhoa Bilimbi

What is the plant

Bilimbi is an attractive, long-lived evergreen shrub or tree with a low, sparse crown, sometimes growing up to 15 metres tall, but more commonly only 2 - 3 metres tall. The short bole can be 30cm in diameter.A multipurpose plant providing food, medicines and a range of other commodities. The tree is often cultivated for its fruit in many areas of the tropics. It is most commonly found as a garden plant and is only occasionally grown commercially. At present, it is difficult to see the development of established plantations in Thailand. This is due to the lack of major market demand

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

min 10°C

Hardiness zone

10a - 11

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
They are also quite tolerant to dry periods, growing well when there is a 2 - 3 month dry season
Fertilizer
To help establish your new Cucumber 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.
Sunlight
The tree makes slow growth in shady or semi-shady situations. It should be in full sun.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
While the bilimbi does best in rich, moist, but well-drained soil, it grows and fruits quite well on sand or limestone.
Temperature
It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 23 - 30°c, but can tolerate 10 - 36°c. Mature plants can be killed by temperatures of -3°c or lower, but young growth is severely damaged at -1°c[
Container
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.