Question
Good morning.  I live in Nebraska and have been trying for over a year now to grow a cashew plant from seeds I purchased on the internet.  I finally started to get a sappling about a month ago and it has slowly been growing nicely.  Which amazes me because it cold her right now.  I have the pot by the sliding door (which is a little drafty), but the pot is under the vent which does blow warm air.

However, this morning I noticed one of the leaves curled with a brown section.  I cut it off, but I also noticed brown spots on the trunk - does this mean I have failed again?  Or can I save it?


Thank you!

Answer
Hi Bobbi,

I have never known anyone to successfully grow a Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) indoors, other than in a greenhouse. Not only is this a tropical plant that cannot withstand cold temperatures, it also requires a great deal of direct outdoor sunlight. Even direct indoor sun is much less intense than outdoor sun. Finally, Cashews do best in high rancidity which you probably do not have indoors in Nebraska winters.

My point here is that you are trying to do the impossible or near-impossible.

As for the symptoms you described, they are generic with several possible causes, including improper watering, inadequate light, low humidity and cold drafts. Your plant should be in a small pot that dries out (top half-inch of soil) within a week after a thorough watering. It should also be in your sunniest window. There is little margin for error with this plant and even so, the chances for success are minimal.

Now you know why Cashew is not used as an indoor potted plant.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC