Plant Care American Plum

American Plum

About American Plum

American Plum is a relatively rare houseplant 🌿 that is a fun challenge to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. They do best in long-lasting, direct light ☀️ and should be less than 1 foot from a window.

American Plum likes soil that is good at retaining moisture. Your plant shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size.

American Plum belongs to the Prunus genus, and is native to North America.

⚠️ American Plum is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. These plants are not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.

Taxonomy

Prunus americana
Prunus
Rosaceae
Rosales

Also known as

American plum tree, American plum, wild plum and large yellow sweet plum

How to care for American Plum

💦 Water

How often to water your American Plum

Water needs for American Plum
0.5 cups
every 9

American Plum 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.

Calculate water needs of American Plum

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for American Plum in your home

Light needs and placement for plant American Plum: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

American Plum love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

American Plum does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of American Plum in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize American Plum

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for American Plum: repot after 2X growth

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 American Plum after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #AmericanPlumTree
💡 FAQs
⭐ Difficulty Level

American Plum can be challenging to care for, according to some plant parents. Check out the reviews down below to learn from their experiences!

How to Grow American Plum →

Benefits of Growing American Plum →

Common American Plum Problems →

Outdoor Care Guide for American Plum →


💦 Water Needs

American Plum 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.

American Plum Water Frequency →

American Plum Root Rot →


☀️ Sunlight Needs

American Plum 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 🏡.

American Plum Light Requirements →

American Plum Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

American Plum is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. American Plum is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.

Is American Plum Edible? →

American Plum Toxicity to Cats →

American Plum Toxicity to Dogs →

American Plum Toxicity to Humans →


🪴 Soil

American Plum is very sensitive to dry soil, so choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil will still drain well and contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir or sphagnum moss.

Best Soil Mix for American Plum →

Best Pots for American Plum →

When and How to Successfully Repot American Plum →

What Are Healthy American Plum Roots →


💩 Fertilizer

American Plum grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize American Plum →


⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

American Plum grows along the ground and sends out shoots which will spread across the soil.

American Plum Lifecycle →

American Plum Size Guide →

How and When to Prune American Plum →


🌦️ Growing Outdoors
🍂 Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.

Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in American Plum, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.

Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for American Plum

American Plum

American Plum


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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