The autograph tree, also known as balsam apple or pitch apple, is an evergreen tree with a short trunk and thick foliage. You can easily scratch your name into the leaves with a fingernail and the scarred lettering will remain, hence the trees common name. Autograph trees grow best in tropical, full-sun conditions and in most soil types, though they can tolerate partial shade. The leaves, and especially the fruits, of the autograph tree are toxic to pets and humans.
As an avid autograph plant grower, I’m always looking for ways to enjoy my beautiful plants even more. And harvesting leaves for writing or propagating new plants allows me to get the most out of my autograph garden!
In this guide we’ll dive into the ideal timing and proper techniques for harvesting your prized autograph plants. Follow these tips to keep your plants happy and productive season after season.
Know the Best Time to Harvest
Autograph plants can be harvested year-round but aim for the seasons when growth is most active. This ensures the plant has plenty of energy to recover after harvesting.
Spring and Summer Harvesting
The spring and summer months are prime harvesting time! Long daylight hours fuel rapid growth, and plants are vigorously pumping out new leaves and stems perfect for cutting.
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Begin harvesting when new growth emerges in spring and lasts through summer before slowing in fall.
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Stick to young, tender leaves and stems, avoiding thick woody parts.
Fall and Winter Care
As days shorten in fall going into winter, plants enter dormancy and slow their growth.
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Limit harvesting during fall and winter months to reduce stress on plants.
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If propagating, use mature stems as they root better than soft new growth.
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Avoid excessive pruning during dormancy. Instead, tidy up plants by removing dead leaves/stems.
Master Proper Harvesting Techniques
Learn the basics of harvesting leaves for writing vs. taking cuttings for propagation.
Harvesting Leaves for Writing
Autograph plant leaves can be written on once harvested. Follow these steps:
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Select a healthy, fully-formed leaf. Avoid leaves with blemishes or damage.
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Gently grasp the leaf at its base near the stem. Avoid the blade.
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Apply light downward pressure while slowly pulling the leaf away from the stem.
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Write on leaves immediately after harvesting for best results.
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Discard leaves after writing – they cannot be reattached to the plant.
Taking Cuttings for Propagation
Propagating from cuttings allows you to easily multiply your autograph plants. Here’s how:
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Use a sterile, sharp knife or pruners to take 6 inch cuttings from tender new growth.
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Cut just below a node so the cutting has a pair of leaves at the top.
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Trim off bottom leaves and dip cut end in rooting hormone.
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Plant cutting in potting mix, water gently, and maintain warm temperature.
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New roots form in 3-6 weeks! Transition the new plant to normal care.
Optimize Recovery After Harvesting
Autograph plants don’t like being overharvested. Help them rebound and stay healthy.
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Only harvest what you need. Never overharvest leaves or stems.
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Water plants thoroughly after harvesting and provide a nutrient boost, like compost tea.
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Allow at least 6 weeks before taking more cuttings from the same plant.
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Monitor for signs of stress like drooping leaves or slowed growth after harvesting.
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Increase humidity and light exposure to encourage new growth after harvesting.
With a little post-harvest TLC, your autograph plant will be back to its old self in no time!
Troubleshooting Common Harvesting Issues
Having trouble getting the results you want from harvesting your autograph plant? Use this troubleshooting guide to get back on track:
Leaves Drooping or Falling After Writing
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Avoid harvesting old or damaged leaves that lack resilience.
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Ensure leaves are completely detached from stem before writing.
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Let ink fully dry before returning leaves to plants to prevent moisture damage.
Cuttings Not Rooting Successfully
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Take cuttings from new green stem tips, not old woody stems.
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Use a sterile knife or pruners to prevent disease transmission.
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Dip cut tip in rooting hormone to stimulate root growth.
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Maintain consistent warmth and humidity around cuttings as they root.
Plants Stressed After Harvesting
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Never overharvest! Only take what the plant can reasonably recover from.
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Ensure proper care like light, water, and fertilization to help plant rejuvenate faster.
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Give plant extra recovery time before harvesting again.
With preventative care and post-harvest TLC, you can master the art of harvesting your autograph plants for endless enjoyment! Remember to start slow and follow best practices. Happy growing!
Soil
A sandy, soft, loose, well-draining soil is best, though the autograph tree can grow in a wide variety of soil types outdoors. Soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter. When growing in pots, blend the potting mix with a small amount of growing medium for orchids.
Water
The autograph tree should be watered regularly for the first year until the plant is fully established. You can scale back its water after that, although regular watering will help it grow more fully. This species is fairly drought-tolerant, but you should never let the soil get completely dry.
When grown as a houseplant, water it throughly once the soil is dry. Do not let the soil dry out completely for long.
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FAQ
How often should I water an autograph plant?
Can I grow clusia from cuttings?
How do you prune an autograph plant?
How to propagate an autograph tree?
However, propagating from cuttings is the most common and successful method. Mastering the care of your Autograph tree may require some patience and practice. But with the right care and attention, this unique and fascinating plant can become a prized possession in your indoor garden.
How do you care for an autograph tree?
Use fresh soil of the same type that the plant was previously growing in. As the plant matures, it may become too large to be kept in containers at all unless it is well-pruned. If the climate is suitable, large plants can be replanted outdoors. The autograph tree is a tropical plant that does not tolerate frost.
How do you care for an autograph tree in Hawaii?
Indoors, water thoroughly once the soil has become dry. You can fertilize occasionally with a standard tropical plant fertilizer as instructed on the package to encourage growth, though it may not be necessary. The autograph tree is listed as one of Hawaii’s most invasive horticultural plants.
How do you raise an autograph tree?
Consider killing two birds with one stone by using a plant stand to elevate your autograph tree to window height. This will allow for better sun exposure while getting the tree up off the floor and away from the curious mouths and noses of pets and children.