Moraceae
Jackfruit Tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus): Complete Care Guide
Artocarpus heterophyllus
Plant in full sun with fertile, well-draining soil. Water every 14 days during dry periods. Fertilize annually with fruit tree fertilizer. Prune annually to improve ventilation and reduce pest pressure.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
16° - 38°C
60% - 90%
Categories
What is Jackfruit Tree?
Jackfruit Tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a hard-care plant from the Moraceae family. Artocarpus heterophyllus, commonly known as the jackfruit tree, is a tropical fruit tree native to the Western Ghats of India. Belonging to the Moraceae family, it is renowned for bearing the largest tree-borne fruit in the world. It can grow up to 30 meters tall and thrives in tropical and subtropi...
Jackfruit Tree grows up to 30.0m, with spread of 800cm, watering every 14 days, 16°C â 38°C, 60â90% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike easy-care plants, Jackfruit Tree demands constant attention to humidity and light. Not recommended for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Jackfruit Tree?
TLDR: Jackfruit Tree needs Direct sun, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between 16-38°C with 60-90% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Jackfruit Tree?
Water every 14 days during dry spells. Established trees tolerate some drought but fruit best with regular irrigation during flowering and fruit set.
How Much Light Does Jackfruit Tree Need?
Requires full sun â minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Young trees may start in partial shade but should be progressively moved to full sun.
What Is the Best Soil for Jackfruit Tree?
Prefers fertile soil rich in organic matter with excellent drainage. Ideal pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Avoid waterlogged soils as the species is susceptible to root rot.
What Pot Should You Use for Jackfruit Tree?
Not suitable for containers â the jackfruit tree requires extensive root space and should be planted directly in the ground in a garden or orchard.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 365 days
What Is Jackfruit Tree and Where Does It Come From?
Artocarpus heterophyllus, commonly known as the jackfruit tree, is a tropical fruit tree native to the Western Ghats of India. Belonging to the Moraceae family, it is renowned for bearing the largest tree-borne fruit in the world. It can grow up to 30 meters tall and thrives in tropical and subtropical climates across Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
How to Propagate Jackfruit Tree?
Seed propagation
Use only fresh seeds â viability drops rapidly once removed from the fruit. Never let them dry out before planting.
- 1 Remove seeds from fresh pulp and rinse thoroughly
- 2 Sow immediately â seeds lose viability within 1 month
- 3 Cover with 2-3 cm of moist, well-draining substrate
- 4 Keep in a warm location (25-30°C) until germination
- 5 Transplant to final location when seedling reaches 30-50 cm
Materials needed:
Air layering
Air layering is preferred for maintaining the characteristics of select cultivars and producing true-to-type plants.
- 1 Select a healthy branch 1-2 cm in diameter
- 2 Remove a 3-4 cm ring of bark
- 3 Pack moist sphagnum moss around the exposed area
- 4 Wrap tightly with clear plastic film
- 5 Keep moss moist until visible roots form, then cut and transplant
Materials needed:
How Big Does Jackfruit Tree Grow?
TLDR: Jackfruit Tree can reach up to 30.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
30.0m
Spread
8.0m
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
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Bark latex used in folk medicine for skin conditions
- Leaf extracts have scientifically studied antidiabetic properties
- Cooked seeds used to treat digestive disorders
Culinary Uses
- Sweet pulp eaten fresh or used in juices, ice creams, and sweets
- Unripe jackfruit used as a popular vegan meat substitute in stews and curries
- Cooked or roasted seeds are nutritious and starch-rich
- Dried jackfruit and chips are popular snacks
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Jackfruit Tree?
TLDR: Jackfruit Tree is susceptible to 5 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.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Meaning & Symbolism
Symbol of abundance and fertility in South and Southeast Asian cultures. In Bangladesh, it is the national fruit, representing prosperity and plenty.
Fun Facts
Jackfruit is considered the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, capable of weighing up to 55 kg
A single jackfruit tree can produce between 100 and 200 fruits per year under ideal conditions
Jackfruit wood is highly valued â used in furniture, musical instruments, and construction
Unripe jackfruit is one of the world's most popular plant-based meat alternatives
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water a jackfruit tree?
Can jackfruit be grown in a pot?
Is jackfruit toxic to pets?
How long until a jackfruit tree bears fruit?
What soil is best for jackfruit?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiddle Leaf Fig | Hard | Bright indirect | 10d | â ïļ |
| Rubber Plant | Easy | Partial shade | 7d | â ïļ |
| Round-leaf Calathea | Hard | Partial shade | 7d | â |
| African Mask Plant | Hard | Partial shade | 5d | â ïļ |
