Lychee Salathiel

• Originated in the subtropical regions of southern China where it has been cultivated for over 1,000 years as a premium fruit variety.
• Produces clusters of pink-red rough-skinned fruit containing translucent white flesh with an intensely sweet, perfumed flavour unique to this cultivar.
• Grows as an evergreen tree with glossy compound leaves and dense branching, creating excellent shade and ornamental value year-round.
• Beloved by home gardeners for its reliable cropping, superior fruit quality, and attractive appearance as both productive and decorative landscape feature.

• Water deeply twice weekly during spring and summer, reducing to weekly in autumn and winter when growth slows.
• Position in full sun location with morning sun exposure and some afternoon protection in extreme heat areas.
• Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic soil enriched with compost and aged manure for optimal root development.
• Feed monthly with complete fruit tree fertiliser from September to March, avoiding high nitrogen feeds during flowering.
• Prune lightly after harvest in late summer, removing dead branches and maintaining open canopy for air circulation.
• Mulch heavily around root zone to maintain consistent soil moisture and regulate temperature fluctuations.
• Protect young trees from frost and strong winds until established, typically after 2-3 growing seasons.

• Plant in full sun with protection from strong winds, ensuring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruit production.
• Water deeply twice weekly during growing season, reducing to weekly in winter. Soil should be moist but never waterlogged.
• Maintain humidity around the canopy by mulching heavily and grouping with other tropical plants in dry climates.
• Protect from temperatures below 5°C as frost can damage young growth and reduce fruit set significantly.
• Prune lightly after harvest to maintain shape and remove dead wood, avoiding heavy pruning which reduces next season's crop.

• Scale insects can attach to branches and leaves, causing yellowing and sticky honeydew. Treat with horticultural oil spray or systemic insecticide.
• Fruit flies may target ripening lychees, causing larvae damage inside the fruit. Use fruit fly traps and pick fruit slightly early to ripen indoors.
• Root rot occurs in poorly draining soils, causing leaf drop and branch dieback. Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency.
• Leaf scorch appears as brown edges in hot, dry conditions or from over-fertilising. Provide afternoon shade and water deeply but less frequently.