⭐ GROWING GUIDE – Carambola / Starfruit

The star fruit tree is a decorative and productive tropical fruit tree that thrives in pots. It likes light, warmth, and well-balanced watering.

Repotting

Repot in spring using a light potting mix such as Promix HP with added perlite. Choose a medium-sized pot and ensure excellent drainage. Starfruit roots are sensitive to overwatering and do not tolerate overly large pots.

Light

Give it plenty of light. A south-facing window or a greenhouse is ideal. Direct sunlight is recommended, but gradual acclimatization will prevent leaf burn.

Watering

Keep the soil slightly moist, but not soggy. Allow the top few centimeters to dry out before watering again. Water more frequently in summer and less in winter. Always use lukewarm water.

Fertilizer

Star fruit appreciates regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20 can be applied once a week during the summer. Actisol works very well as an organic alternative. No fertilization is necessary in winter.

Temperature

It prefers stable temperatures, between 22 and 32°C. Below 10°C, it quickly suffers. Below 5°C, it can die.

Flowering and fruit

Star fruit grows easily in pots with enough light and warmth. The pink and white flowers then give way to star-shaped fruits.

Wintering

Keep it in a bright room between 12 and 18°C. Reduce watering and avoid cold drafts.

Tropico-Québec Advice

Lightly mist the air around the plant in winter. Add marine compost or Actisol to improve flowering. In a greenhouse, starfruit becomes very productive.