How to Grow Water Apple - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Water apple is a plant. It is a small tree that can grow up to 15 feet tall. The water apple tree has dark green leaves and white flowers. The fruit of the water apple tree is red or green.

How to Grow Water Apple - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Jambul
  • Rose apple
  • Water caltrop
  • Water chestnut
  • Chinese water chestnut

Common Knowledge

  • Water apples are fruits that come from the water apple tree.
  • The water apple tree is native to Southeast Asia.
  • Water apples are also known as wax apples, rose apples, and java apples.
  • Water apples are round or oblong in shape and have a smooth, waxy surface.
  • The skin of a water apple can be red, green, or yellow in color.
  • The flesh of a water apple is white or pink and has a crisp texture.
  • Water apples have a sweet, floral flavor.
  • Water apples are a good source of vitamins A and C.
  • Water apples can be eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and pies.
  • Water apples are in season from May to August.

Related plant:
Spirea Japonica Anthony Waterer

How to Grow

  1. For water apple, first step is required to take the stem cutting of the plant which is at least 6-8 inches long.
  2. Now take a pot or any container which has good drainage and fill it with the help of light weight potting mix or coco peat.
  3. After that make a hole in the center of the potting mix and place the stem cutting in it.
  4. Once the stem cutting is placed, fill the pot with water and allow it to drain.
  5. After that, place the pot in an area which receives bright indirect sunlight.
  6. Water the plant regularly and allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
  7. Fertilize the plant once in a month with any organic fertilizer.
  8. In few weeks, the plant will start developing roots and new leaves.
  9. Once the plant is well established, transfer it to a larger pot.
  10. Enjoy the fruits of your hard work!

Related plant:
Avocado Seed In Water

The Soil

About soil condition, water apple grows best in sandy, well-drained soils with a pH of 5.0-7.0. In general, water apple trees are not very tolerant of flooding or wet soils. Avoid planting in poorly drained, compacted or heavy clay soils. Amending the planting area with organic matter can help improve drainage and soil structure.

Light condition

Just like other apple trees, water apple trees need full sun to produce the most fruit. The optimal sun exposure for a water apple tree is six to eight hours per day. If your water apple tree is not getting enough sun, it may produce fewer apples.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition for growing a water apple is warm. The tree does best in temperatures that are above freezing, but it can also tolerate some cold. Water apples can survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but they will not fruit in those conditions. The tree needs warmth to produce fruit, so if you live in an area with cool winters, you will need to provide some artificial warmth for your water apple tree.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. The water apple plant cannot tolerate dry air and will start to experience leaf drop if the humidity falls below 60%. If the humidity is too high, the plant will be more susceptible to fungal diseases.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, this family of plant nutrients is very important to the water apple. The fertilizer helps the water apple to create strong and healthy roots. The fertilizer also helps the water apple to create more flowers and fruit. The fertilizer helps the water apple to create a more vigorous plant.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is a process of cutting and removing diseased, dead, or excess plant material from a water apple tree. This helps to maintain the tree's health, improve its appearance, and encourage new growth. It is important to prune water apple trees regularly, as this will also help to control their size and shape.

About Propagating

Propagation for water apple is typically done through rooting of stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from young, healthy plants and should include at least two leaf nodes. The bottom leaf node should be buried in the rooting medium, and the cutting should be kept moist until rooting occurs.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been done on young plants in pots. In one study, plants were grown in 2.5-inch pots containing a mixture of sand, peat, and perlite. The average growth rate was 0.47 inches per week. In another study, plants were grown in 3-gallon pots containing a mixture of sand, peat, and perlite. The average growth rate was 0.59 inches per week.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are pests and diseases. Pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs can infest the plant and cause problems. Diseases such as blight, root rot, and wilt can also affect the plant.

Tips on Growing

  • If you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, you should consider growing water apple trees.
  • If you live in an area with little rainfall, you should consider growing water apple trees in a greenhouse.
  • Water apple trees need full sun to grow properly.
  • Water apple trees should be planted in well-drained soil.
  • Water apple trees should be fertilized regularly.
  • Water apple trees need to be pruned regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Water apple trees should be watered regularly.
  • If you live in an area with a lot of humidity, you should consider growing water apple trees in a container.
  • Water apple trees can be susceptible to pests and diseases.
  • Water apple trees can be propagated from seed or cuttings.

You May Like

  • Water lily
  • Water chestnut
  • Watercress
  • Lotus
  • Canna
  • Alocasia
  • Water hyacinth
  • Water violet
  • Papyrus
  • Arrowhead

Source:
Watering, Fertilizing, Harvesting, Spray Schedule Apples
Watercore of Apples - Extension Polk County
Using it all: Drying Apples - Penn State Extension

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category