Introduction
Breadfruit—Artocarpus altilis—is a wonderful tropical tree with very large, starch-rich fruits that have been cultivated as staple food in the Pacific Islands for thousands of years. Its lush foliage and unique fruit make it quite an attractive plant to most gardeners and enthusiasts of tropical plants. However, mention of growing a breadfruit tree indoors as an interior houseplant raises many questions on how feasible and complicated its care would be. This article will discuss how to grow breadfruit right inside your home and what must be done to carry this out effectively.
About Breadfruit Trees
The breadfruit tree is a evergreen tropican, attaining heights of 85 feet or more in its native habitat. Its large, lobed leaves give a fine, tropical appearance. Large, rounded to oval fruits are covered with a rough, green skin that yellows to brownish-yellow at maturity. This species performs well in a warm, humid climate with uniform rainfall.
Therefore, growing breadfruit indoors is pretty tricky due to its size, climate requirements, and growth habits. Still, if one follows the right approach and is dedicated, there is no reason he cannot enjoy this tropical beauty as an interior plant.
Selecting the Right Variety
While growing breadfruit as an interior plant, one has to be sure of picking the right variety since some types of breadfruit are comparatively tailored for growing indoors than others. Look out for compact or dwarf varieties of breadfruit that are bred with growing in containers in mind. Most of these are relatively of manageable size and can easily adapt to growing in an interior environment.
Choice of Containers
The next important factor of growing breadfruit indoors is choosing the right container. Choose a large and heavier pot that has adequate drainage to avoid waterlogging. Breadfruit trees have an extensive root system, so a deep container is required. A pot that holds at least 15-20 gallons will give its roots big enough room to grow.
Soil Type and Drainage
Breadfruit trees prefer well-drained soil. A mix of potting soil, sand, and perlite or pumice will provide the additional drainage that is needed but at the same time will still help to retain some moisture. Make sure to add rich organic matter into the soil for proper growth. Compost or well-rotted manure can be added to produce nutrient-rich soil.
Light Requirements
Breadfruit trees represent heliophyte plants that need light in sufficient amounts for proper growth and fruiting. Place your indoor breadfruit tree in a very bright area with at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. A south-facing window or a sunroom with ample amounts of natural light will be perfect. If the natural light is not adequate, grow lights should be considered for supplementation.
Temperature and Humidity
Indoor breadfruit trees will want proper maintenance of temperature and humidity for healthy plants. Breadfruit trees are fond of temperatures between 60-95°F (15-35°C). Keep the trees away from drafts and temperatures lower than 50°F, as these can stress them out and affect their growth.
Breadfruit trees also require high humidity to mimic their native, humid, tropical environment. Indoor humidity should be around 70-80%. Do this by adding a humidifier, keeping a tray of water close by the tree, or frequent misting of the leaves. Plants set together can help maintain higher humidity levels as well.
Watering
Proper watering is essential whether it involves indoor breadfruit trees or any other. Although breadfruit does prefer even moisture, it is still susceptible to root rot if the soil is too soggy. Water the tree well when just the top inch of the soil has dried. It is very essential that the pot drains extremely well to prevent waterlogged soil. Watering frequency should be kept less during the winter months as the tree grows less during this season.
Fertilization
Breadfruit trees do react well to frequent feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 every 4-6 weeks while in season. Cut back on fertilization in the fall and winter when plants are dormant. Some slow-release organic fertilizers that are incorporated into the soil can also provide continuous plant nutrition.
Pruning and Maintenance
This is so that the indoor breadfruit tree remains at a desirable form and size. Dying or damaged leaves and branches need to be trimmed regularly. Prune back the tree for controlling its height and encouraging it to grow much bushier. Do this in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Pest and Disease Management
The indoor breadfruit trees can be infested by aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. The flower parts often turn yellow. Regularly inspect the leaves and stems for infestation. Insecticidal soap or neem oil controls minor infestations. Systemic insecticides may be used in cases of serious infestation.
Some of the diseases that could attack the breadfruit trees are root rot and fungal infections. Good drainage should be observed to prevent the roots from absorbing excess water, which causes root rot. Fungal attacks are treated with recommended fungicides and allowed good aeration around the plant.
Pollination and Fruiting
One of the challenges of growing breadfruit indoors is successful pollination and fruiting. This is because breadfruit trees usually are wind- or insect-pollinated in their native habitat. The conditions indoors may not offer identical pollination. You may have to hand-pollinate them by dusting pollen from the male to the female flowers with a small brush to encourage fruiting.
Conclusion
To grow breadfruit as part of your interior plants is undoubtedly difficult, but their rearing definitely is very rewarding. You can enjoy the tropical beauty and possible fruiting from breadfruit indoors if you have the correct variety, proper care, and cater to its requirements. Also note that growing a tropical tree in a nontropical climate requires so much patience and devotion. Enjoy the journey, and you may well find yourself beneath not only the lush foliage but the flavorful fruits of your indoor breadfruit tree.