Plant, care for & propagate balsam apples

Due to its leaves, the balsam apple is reminiscent of a rubber tree, but with ideal care it can also develop beautiful, pink flowers. Here you can find out everything about the location, care and propagation of the balsam apple.

It doesn't take much to be able to marvel at the balsam apple in your own home. Once you own a specimen and have chosen a suitable location, only occasional care is required. Here you can find out what you have to consider and how you can multiply your balsam apple yourself.

Balsam apple: flower, origin and properties

The balsam apple (Clusia) is a genus of the Clusicacea family. The term "balsam apple" is often used as a synonym for the species

Clusia rosea and Clusia major used. The plant is also known by the names rose-clusia and autograph tree. The succulent balsam apple originally comes from the Caribbean and is also found in the tropics of South and Central America. It is an evergreen, hemiepiphytic plant - that is, the balsam apple begins life in the canopy of other trees and over time develops roots towards the ground. In nature, the balsam apple becomes a shrub or tree up to 18 meters tall, while in indoor culture it can reach a height of three meters under ideal conditions. Depending on the pot size and pruning measures, the plant can also keep smaller dimensions.

The leaves of the Clusia are large, fleshy and a rich green. They are reminiscent of some ficus species, which is why the plant is also known as balsam fig. However, there is no close relationship here. If the balsam apple feels good, it forms decorative, white or pink flowers in summer, which smell of vanilla. A plant lamp can support flowering. The small, apple-like fruits, on the other hand, are extremely rare in houseplants, since both a female and a male plant must be present for fertilization. Both sexes of flowers give off a sweet-smelling sap that is said to attract insects for pollination. In the absence of insects, the flowers must be pollinated by hand with a brush.

Why is the balsam apple also called the autograph tree? Because the leaves of the balsam apple are very thick and leathery, words can be carved into them with pointed or sharp objects. It is also possible to leave an autograph on the leaves of the tree, which has given the plant the name "autograph tree" or "autograph tree".

The most beautiful types and varieties

When talking about the balsam apple, it is often the species Clusia rosea meant, although of course there are other types and varieties of balsam apple.

• Clusia rosea'princess': This variety is widely used as a houseplant. It has slightly smaller leaves than that Clusia rosea.
• Clusia major: Clusia major and Clusia rosea look very similar and are therefore usually regarded as one species. They differ slightly in leaf shape and color.
• Clusia rosea 'Variegata': The leaves of this variety are green-white variegated and are a real eye-catcher.
• Clusia lanceolata: With its narrow, pointed leaves, this species looks slightly different from its relatives. In terms of care, however, it does not differ.

Plant balsam apple: location, time and procedure

The balsam apple is a rather undemanding plant and thrives without much care if it is in a suitable location.

Place the balsam apple in a light and warm place. The tree tolerates direct sun just as little as shade, but sufficient brightness is important for healthy growth. The temperature should be around 20 °C all year round and never drop below 15 °C. If these temperatures are also reached outside in summer, you can place the balsam apple in a sheltered place on the balcony. Besides, she likes Clusia high humidity, which is typical for the tropical climate. Such air is achieved, for example, in the bathroom, which must be bright enough for the balsam apple. Otherwise, you can regularly spray the plant with water or put a bowl of water on the heater in winter.

After purchase, the Clusia be repotted directly into a substrate that is optimally adapted to their needs. The soil should be permeable, as the balsam apple needs sufficient moisture, but does not tolerate waterlogging. For this purpose, a high-quality potting soil can be mixed with 30% sand. As a basis, for example, ourPlantura organic universal soil be used. This can store water and nutrients very well with the clay minerals it contains and gradually release them to the plant. The use of natural raw materials in the production of our earth also protects the environment. A layer of potsherds or pebbles on the bottom of the pot is recommended to help the water drain.

Balsam apple in a glass:

It is also possible to keep the balsam apple in the glass, but a sure instinct is required here. Both when the water level is too high or too low, fungal diseases can easily occur. It is therefore best to fill the jar with water so that the fine roots of the balsam apple are covered, but the thicker roots are still exposed to the air. Use lime-free water and change it once a week, cleaning the glass as well.

Care of the balsam apple

In addition to watering and fertilizing, balsam apple care also includes regular dusting of the large leaves. The care measures are limited to the growing season between March and October.

Cut, water and fertilize the balsam apple

To water: To water the balsam apple, it is best to use soft, lime-free water such as rainwater. Stale tap water is also good. Check the substrate before watering: if soil sticks to your finger, the substrate is still moist enough. As soon as the surface dries, it should be watered. About 15 minutes after watering, excess water should be poured out of the planter to prevent root rot. Flabby leaves indicate an increased need for water.

Fertilize: During the growing season in summer, the balsam apple needs a nutrient feed about once a month. It is best to use a high-quality liquid fertilizer, as this can easily be administered with the irrigation water for houseplants. One example of a sustainable option is our primarily organic one Plantura organic indoor and green plant fertilizer, which is perfectly tailored to the needs of ornamental foliage plants. The nutrients it contains provide a lasting supply to the leaves and roots of your plants, and microorganisms ensure sufficient growth promotion.

Cut: To stimulate branching, you can cut your young balsam apple - preferably in spring. The older your tree gets, the less often it has to be pruned. Regularly remove dead leaves and simply cut later to ensure that the balsam apple does not exceed the desired size.

hibernate: The balsam apple needs warm temperatures all year round, which should not fall below 15 °C. If the heating air is dry, you can ensure higher humidity by placing a bowl of water near the plant.

tip: The large, green leaves should be regularly cleaned of dust with a damp cloth.

Brown dots on the balsam apple

If the balsam apple gets brown spots or yellow discoloration on the leaves, this is often the result of too much sunlight. Place the plant in a bright place without direct sun or protect the balsam apple with a curtain at midday, for example.

Balsam apple is losing leaves

If the balsam apple is too wet, the leaves may drop. In this case, check the substrate and repot the plant in fresh and dry substrate. Water a little less than before and regularly monitor soil moisture. It should only be poured when the substrate has dried slightly on the surface.

Repot Clusia

As with almost all plants, spring is the best time to repot the balsam apple. This should be done about every two to three years. First check whether the substrate is completely rooted. In this case, you should choose a slightly larger container and plant the balsam apple in a permeable substrate. A layer of potsherds ensures the necessary water drainage. If the root ball does not yet fill the pot, it is sufficient to replace the top layer of substrate. When repotting, you can also mix a little storage fertilizer into the soil and don't have to worry about the nutrient supply of the balsam apple in the following year. For example, our is suitable for this Plantura organic universal fertilizer, which as a complete fertilizer contains all the important nutrients and can be used for many plants.

Grow balsam apple

To propagate the balsam apple, cuttings are best used. To do this, simply cut off one or more shoots at an angle from the plant with a sharp knife in spring. These should have leaves but no flower buds and be at least 10 cm long.

Now there are two options: The cutting can be placed directly in a glass of water, which means that the root formation can be observed directly. The water should then be changed every few days. A plastic bag over the jar increases humidity and speeds up growth.

Alternatively, let the cut of the cutting dry for about two days and then plant it in growing substrate - use ours for this, for example Plantura Organic Herb & Seed Soil, preferably mixed with some sand. With its lower nutrient content, this ensures strong root growth at a young age, so that the small plants can continue to find support and grow splendidly in the future. Keep the substrate evenly moist without over-wetting. A plastic bag pulled over it can also accelerate growth here.

tip: Individual leaves can also be used for propagation in the same way as shoots.

Is the balsam apple poisonous?

Since the balsam apple is poisonous - to both humans and animals - it should not be eaten under any circumstances.

The rubber tree looks quite similar to the balsam apple, even if there is no relationship. We'll show you how rubber tree care, and give useful tips on location and propagation.