Miracle Fruit Caring Instructions

Common Names: “Miracle Fruit”, “Miracle Berry”, belongs to Sapotaceae botanical family from Tropical West Africa.

Adaptation: Coming from hot, wet tropical lowlands, the plant is intolerant of frost and should be considered a container plant except in southern Florida and Hawaii. Older plants can survive a light frost but it is best to avoid it if possible. Miracle Fruit is a marvelous plant that does well in a container. Outdoors it is said to do best in partial shade.

Damage Temperature: Below 28 degree's F / -2 degree Celcius Growth Habit : Miracle Fruit is an evergreen bush or tree growing up to 18 ft. in its native habitat but rarely to 6 ft. otherwise. Foliage : The plant has deep green, elongated leaves which grow in a spire-like habit ? Both regular and large-leaf, are known.

Flowers: The small, 1/4 inch white flowers of Miracle Fruit are produced in flushes through many months of the year. Flower to fruit in 30 to 45 days. Fruit: The fruit is a small bright red, ellipsoid berry approximately 2 cm long and containing a single seed. Although not sweet itself, when a single fruit is eaten and the fleshy pulp is allowed to coat the taste buds of the tongue and inside of the mouth, an extraordinary effect occurs. The fruit will allow you to eat a slice of lemon or lime without wincing. The marvelous aroma and inherent sweetness of the citrus remains, but the acidity is almost completely covered. The effect remains for some 30 minutes or more. Location: Miracle Fruit is frost sensitive, and requires partial shade. It is an excellent choice for a containerized tree, which gives it the added benefit of mobility. As an indoor plant, provide the plant with bright light such as a well-lit window. In the summer the plant can be moved with care to a warm, lightly shaded spot. Soil: An acidic soil is a must for Miracle Fruit. They prefer a soil acidity of pH 4.5 to 5.8. Avoid watering with chloride water. The soil must remain moist, but not flooded.