Oxalidaceae
Bilimbi: Edible Plant
Averrhoa bilimbi
Requires a warm and humid climate with direct sun exposure and soil rich in organic matter. Watering should be frequent to keep the soil moist, but never waterlogged.
Every 7 days
Direct sun
10° - 36°C
70% - 90%
Categories
What is Bilimbi?
Bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi) is a easy-care plant from the Oxalidaceae family. Averrhoa bilimbi, commonly known as bilimbi or cucumber tree, is a tropical perennial fruit tree in the Oxalidaceae family. Unlike its close relative, the starfruit, its fruits are cylindrical, extremely acidic, and grow in clusters directly on the trunk and main branches (cauliflory). It features p...
Bilimbi grows up to 15.0m, with spread of 600cm, watering every 7 days, 10°C – 36°C, 70–90% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Bilimbi tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Bilimbi is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Bilimbi?
TLDR: Bilimbi needs Direct sun, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 10-36°C with 70-90% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Bilimbi?
Water whenever the top layer of soil begins to dry out, increasing frequency during periods of intense heat.
How Much Light Does Bilimbi Need?
For abundant fruit production, the plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
What Is the Best Soil for Bilimbi?
Prefers deep, well-drained soils with a slightly acidic pH.
What Pot Should You Use for Bilimbi?
Large ceramic pots with drainage holes or direct planting in the ground in spacious locations.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 90 days
What Is Bilimbi and Where Does It Come From?
Averrhoa bilimbi, commonly known as bilimbi or cucumber tree, is a tropical perennial fruit tree in the Oxalidaceae family. Unlike its close relative, the starfruit, its fruits are cylindrical, extremely acidic, and grow in clusters directly on the trunk and main branches (cauliflory). It features pinnate leaves and small, fragrant, deep purple flowers.
How to Propagate Bilimbi?
Sowing
- Seeds lose viability quickly; plant immediately after extraction.
- 1 Extraction
Remove seeds from ripe fruits and wash them to remove the pulp.
- 2 Planting
Sow in a light substrate rich in organic matter at a depth of 1 cm.
- 3 Moisture
Keep the substrate constantly moist and in a warm location.
Materials needed:
Air Layering
- Keep the moss constantly moist by injecting water with a syringe if necessary.
- 1 Girdling
Remove a ring of bark about 2 cm wide from a healthy branch.
- 2 Protection
Cover the area with moist sphagnum moss and wrap with clear plastic.
- 3 Separation
Cut the branch below the formed roots and plant in a pot.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Bilimbi Grow?
TLDR: Bilimbi can reach up to 15.0m tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
15.0m
Spread
6.0m
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal Uses
- Auxiliary treatment for hypertension
- Use of leaves to reduce inflammation
- Fruit syrup for coughs
- Control of glycemic levels in traditional medicine
Culinary Uses
- Pickles and preserves
- Seasoning for fish and seafood
- Jams and compotes
- Lemon substitute in sweet and sour dishes
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Bilimbi?
TLDR: Bilimbi is susceptible to 8 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by fungi in the genus Colletotrichum that affects many plants, including vegetables, fruits, and trees. The disease thrives in cool, wet conditions, causing dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt is a serious fungal disease caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum. The fungus invades roots and blocks the water-conducting vessels (xylem) of the plant, causing progressive wilting and eventual death. Host-specific forms of the pathogen exist that attack different plant species.
Meaning & Symbolism
Associated with abundance and protection in tropical gardens due to its generous fruiting.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flame Violet | Easy | Partial shade | 7d | ✓ |
| Prickly Lettuce | Easy | Direct sun | 7d | ✓ |
| Haworthiopsis (genus) | Easy | Partial shade | 14d | ✓ |
| Gasteria (genus) | Easy | Partial shade | 14d | ✓ |
