Malus domestica aka Paradise Apple

Taxonomy

Malus domestica, also known as the apple, is an edible fruit produced by an apple tree which originated in Central Asia, where its wild ancestor, Malus sieversii is still found today. Apples have been grown for thousands of years in Asia, Europe and North America and are the most widely grown species in the genus Malus. There are more than 7,500 known cultivated varieties of apples, grown for many uses including cooking, eating raw, cider production and as a popular houseplant as it is relatively simple to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. Apples have religious and mythological significance in many cultures and generally, apple cultivars are propagated by clonal grafting onto rootstocks to control the speed of growth, size of the tree and quality of the fruit. Apple trees are prone to fungal, bacterial and pest problems, which can be controlled by a number of organic and non-organic means. In 2010, the fruit's genome was sequenced and worldwide production of apples in 2021 was 93 million tonnes, with China accounting for nearly half of the total.

Common names

Paradise Apple, Apple, Common Crabapple, Domesticated Apple

How to care for Paradise Apple

Difficulty

Paradise Apple presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Paradise Apple should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Paradise Apple requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your Common Crabapple, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your Paradise Apple will bloom beautifully in your home.

Lighting

Paradise Apple thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Common Crabapple.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Paradise Apple to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Paradise Apple is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

Paradise Apple grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Paradise Apple’s native range is A hybrid of garden origin, mainly involving M. sylvestris and M. pumila[200]..


More info:
Wikipedia