Coco Plum Propagation Guide
Coco plums are also called lcaco, (species Chrysobalanus icaco) in the family Chrysobalanaceae, zones 10-11 are ideal for this evergreen to thrive. This perennial is native to tropical America and Africa, coco plums have leaves that are somewhat roundish, green, and shiny producing abundances of berries that are dark purple when ripe.
Besides being grown for their delicious berries coco plums are moderately salt-tolerant and can be planted in coastal areas and inland being grown as a hedge and reaching a height of 15 feet with the same in width. These edible plants are not only a favorite of humans but wildlife such as jays, cardinals, red-bellied woodpeckers, grackles many other bird species, deer, coyotes, raccoons, foxes, black bears, opossums, and squirrels. In this article, we will be discussing how to grow coco plum from cuttings.
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Tools you will need
- 6-inch or 1-gallon pots
- A sharp knife or a hand pruner
- Root hormone
- Root medium/ coarse sand and half moisten millet peat
Coco Plum Propagation Method
1. Ensure that each pot has holes for water drainage
2. Prepare the pot/pots by adding sand and moistening millet peat.
3. With a sharp knife or hand pruner that has been sterilized take cuttings that are 4-6 inches long.
4. Remove the leaves from the bottom inch or two of the stems.
5. The end that was cut dip in water to moisten, follow by dipping that seam end in root hormone if it is the powder form.
6. With your finger or a pen, or pencil make a hole in the soil and insert that part of the cutting that has the rooting hormone.
7. With your finger gently firm the soil around the cutting followed by adding water. Be careful however not to overwater, the soil should be damp, not water-saturated.
8. Place your cuttings in an area that gets bright indirect sunlight.
9. The cuttings may take up to 2 months or more before producing roots, signs that your cuttings have taken roots are new growth or a slight resistance when the stem is gently pulled or tugged.
10. Once your coco plum cutting has taken roots plant in a sunny location with quality garden soil that drains well.
Where to Install Coco Plums
- Coco plums can be grown as a hedge
- As a backdrop
- Can be planted around plants such as palms
- Coco plums look great growing alongside a wall, fence, driveway, or walkway
- Looks great planted alongside a porch, pool, or deck
- Accent in a plant bed
- Can be used to screen or hide A/C and other equipment.
The final word on growing coco plums from cuttings
This method of growing coco plums will have your garden populated with these garden beauties, the presence of coco plums gives the best of both worlds a plant that can be grown for its edible fruits along with growing for aesthetics. Coco plums are filled with vitamins which is another win-win. You can’t lose so go for it, you will be so happy with the results.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Coco Plums are delightful edible plants. And also versatile. I liked your instructions on how to propagate them from cuttings. Where would be the best place to get cuttings?
I have never eaten Coco Plums before. After reading your article, I definitely want to change that situation. Besides growing this plant, where can this fruit be purchased to try it out for taste?
Thanks for sharing information on a plant that does so much good.
Edwin
Coco Plums are pretty amazing and can be used for many purposes, you can check your plant nursery. Your plant nursery should carry them, hope this helps and I am so happy to help.