Question
I have started a number of Cherimoya plants by seed. I am able too grow them to be about 8 inches in height and then the leaves fall off the stalk and the plant dies. Any suggestions as to what I should be doing to keep the plants alive??
Thanks for your time.

Answer
Growing Cherimoya plants successfully is a challenging task. If the light, soil moisture, and temperatures are not carefully monitored, then the tender seedlings will fail.

From your very brief description, I believe that soil moisture is the problem. The soil should be a porous medium that retains some moisture, but also maintains air pockets within its structure. A peat-based soil mix with sand or perlite added is appropriate. Assuming that your seedlings are in small individual pots, then you should water whenever the top surface feels quite dry. Watering even a day too early or too late can result in the collapse of the plant.

Make sure your seedlings get lots of sun, if they are indoors. Keep temps on the warm side (above 65 degrees)until the seedlings are fully developed.

Here is an excellent website that will tell you everything you need to know about growing Cherimoya.

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/cherimoya.html

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

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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