Carissa Macrocarpa
About Carissa Macrocarpa
Natal Plum is an easy to grow spiny evergreen shrub with dense leathery green leaves, fragrant white flowers and showy edible red fruits. It can be used as a hedge, security screen or foundation planting where it is hardy or it can be grown in a container that is brought indoors in the winter.
Taxonomy
Carissa macrocarpa
Carissa
Apocynaceae
Gentianales
Also known as
Natal Plum, Natal Plum, Large num-num, Amathungulu, Umthungulu obomvu and Noem-noem
How to care for Carissa Macrocarpa
Water
How often to water your Carissa Macrocarpa
every 9
Carissa Macrocarpa needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9
Light
Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.
Select a city to check sunlight intensity
Finding light for Natal Plum in your home
a window
Carissa Macrocarpa love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Carissa Macrocarpa does not tolerate low-light 🚫.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Carissa Macrocarpa in your home 🏡.
Nutrients
How to fertilize Carissa Macrocarpa
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Carissa Macrocarpa after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
FAQs
Carissa Macrocarpa is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
Water Needs
Carissa Macrocarpa prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Carissa Macrocarpa requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Carissa Macrocarpa can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9a-10b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Care Summary for Carissa Macrocarpa
Carissa Macrocarpa
Greg recommends:
Water
0.5 cups every 9 days
Placement
< 1ft from a window
Nutrients
Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
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