How to Grow Soursop Plant Indoors

If you’re a fan of tropical fruits and want to enjoy the taste and health benefits of soursop all year round, growing a soursop plant indoors is a great option. Soursop, also known as graviola or custard apple, is a delicious fruit that is native to the Caribbean and Central America. It has a unique flavor profile, with a mix of sweet and tangy notes, making it highly sought after by fruit enthusiasts.

Growing soursop indoors allows you to have access to this exotic fruit even if you live in a region with a colder climate or limited space for gardening. In this article, we will guide you through the process of growing and caring for a soursop plant indoors.

Choosing the Right Variety

Before getting started, it’s important to choose the right variety of soursop for indoor cultivation. Look for dwarf or compact varieties that are suitable for container gardening. These varieties tend to stay smaller in size, making them more manageable in an indoor setting.

Some popular dwarf soursop varieties include ‘Morada Compacta,’ ‘Tropical Ruby,’ and ‘Thompson.’ These varieties are known for their ability to thrive in containers and produce tasty fruits even in limited spaces.

Selecting the Right Container

When it comes to selecting a container for your soursop plant, choose one that is large enough to accommodate its growth. A container with a diameter of at least 24 inches is recommended to ensure proper root development and stability.

Ensure that the container has sufficient drainage holes at the bottom to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Additionally, consider using a lightweight potting mix specifically formulated for container gardening. This will provide good drainage while retaining moisture.

Providing Optimal Growing Conditions

Soursop plants thrive in warm and humid conditions, similar to their natural habitat. To recreate these conditions indoors, place your soursop plant in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. If necessary, supplement the natural light with grow lights to ensure the plant receives adequate light intensity.

Maintain a temperature range between 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 30 degrees Celsius) for optimal growth. Avoid exposing the plant to sudden temperature fluctuations or drafts as they can stress the plant.

To increase humidity levels around the plant, you can place a tray filled with water near the soursop plant or use a humidifier. Mist the leaves regularly to mimic the high humidity levels found in its native environment.

Watering and Fertilizing

Proper watering is essential for the health and growth of your soursop plant. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause leaf drop and stunted growth.

Fertilize your soursop plant every two to three months using a balanced organic fertilizer specifically formulated for fruit trees. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for application rates. Avoid over-fertilization as it can damage the plant’s roots.

Pruning and Training

Regular pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and size of your soursop plant indoors. Prune any dead, damaged, or diseased branches as soon as you notice them. Additionally, remove any suckers or sprouts that emerge from the base of the plant to direct energy towards fruit production.

Consider training your soursop plant to a single trunk by removing any lateral branches that compete for dominance. This will help create a more compact and manageable plant structure.

Pollination

Soursop plants are typically pollinated by beetles and wasps in their natural habitat. However, when grown indoors, hand pollination is often necessary to ensure fruit set. To hand-pollinate your soursop plant, use a small brush or cotton swab to transfer pollen from the stamen (male part) to the stigma (female part) of the flower. Gently brush the inside of each flower to transfer pollen and promote fruit development.

Harvesting

With proper care and maintenance, your soursop plant will eventually bear fruits. The time it takes for the fruits to mature can vary, but it usually takes anywhere from 3 to 5 months after pollination. The fruits are ripe when they give slightly to gentle pressure and have a strong, sweet aroma.

To harvest the fruits, cut the stem with a sharp knife or pruning shears. It’s important to handle the fruits carefully as they bruise easily. Once harvested, soursop fruits can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

Growing soursop plants indoors allows you to enjoy the exotic flavors and health benefits of this tropical fruit all year round. By following the tips and guidelines provided in this article, you can successfully cultivate a soursop plant in your home or apartment. Remember to provide optimal growing conditions, including sufficient light, humidity, and proper watering. With patience and care, you’ll soon be indulging in delicious soursop fruits grown right in your own space.