Miracle Fruit Shrub
An easy houseplant, it fruits nearly year-round.
Hardy only in the tropical regions of zone 10 and above, Miracle Fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) sets masses of 1-inch red fruits, oval and shaped a bit like footballs, among its glossy green leaves. It begins fruiting from a young age -- at about two feet tall -- and when grown as a houseplant, fruits year-round. (If grown outdoors, the fruit will appear primarily in summer.)
The berries have no strong flavor of their own at all, but the "miracle" occurs when anything is eaten after them. They perk up dull or bitter foods, but the real surprise is how they sweeten citrus and other highly acidic foods. Cut your sugar intake by substituting a few Miracle Fruits!
This pyramidal shrub reaches just 2 to 3 feet tall, and thrives in a highly acidic soil mixture. We have found that equal parts sphagnum peat moss and perlite works best. Place it in a bright window or take it outdoors during those times of year when the temperature remains above 60 degrees F. It grows slowly and beautifully, with inconspicuous flowers (they're tiny and brown; you won't even notice them) in addition to the profuse berries.
Miracle Fruit is a fascinating plant. Add it to your home this season, and enjoy its wonderful properties for years to come!
| Genus | Synsepalum |
| Species | dulcificum |
| Item Form | 4-inch Pot |
| Zone | 10 - 11 |
| Plant Height | 24 in - 3 ft |
| Plant Width | 12 in - 18 in |
| Additional Characteristics | Indoor Growing, Berries, Easy Care Plants, Edible, Evergreen |
| Foliage Color | Dark Green |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun |
| Moisture Requirements | Moist, well-drained |
| Resistance | Heat Tolerant, Humidity Tolerant |
| Soil Tolerance | Normal, loamy |
| Uses | Containers, Cuisine, Ornamental, Specimen |
| Restrictions | Guam, Virgin Islands, Canada, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas |
