Information About the Soapberry Tree
The soapberry tree (Soapberry) belongs to the Sapindaceae family, which includes about 12 species of shrubs and trees native to tropical and subtropical regions across Asia, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands. It is worth noting that the soapberry tree produces large quantities of soap-rich nuts, which can be used as a safe cleaner for greywater and as a natural hand soap. This natural soap has been used by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years as a multipurpose cleaner.
The soapberry is a medium-sized ornamental tree that grows between 9 and 12 meters tall. Its leaves are arranged along the branches, while its flowers are small and pale greenish-white. These flowers appear from autumn through spring and grow in large terminal clusters. The fruit develops after flowering and consists of leathery berries containing about 37% saponin, which is used as soap in some regions.
What Is the Best Place to Grow a Soapberry Tree?
Below are the environmental conditions needed for healthy soapberry growth:
Light
Plant the soapberry tree in an area that receives full sun with some partial shade during the hottest hours of the day. The tree should receive at least 5 hours of sunlight daily, with afternoon shade.
Soil
The soapberry can grow in most soil types as long as the soil retains some moisture while also draining excess water. Suitable soil types include loamy, sandy, and clay soils.
Soil pH
This tree can grow in both acidic and alkaline soils.
Temperature
The soapberry thrives in warm climates and cannot grow well in cold weather.
Note: The soapberry tree tolerates poor soil, drought, high temperatures, and strong winds.
How to Grow a Soapberry Tree
Here are the steps for planting soapberry seeds:
To plant the sapling outdoors, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and fill it with loose soil. Plant the tree at the same depth it was in the pot, gently press the soil around it, and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Remove the hard seeds from their outer shell.
Place the seeds on a solid surface and lightly tap them with a metal hammer—do not crush them. This step helps encourage germination.
Boil water and let it cool for 5 minutes. Place the seeds in the hot water, close the container, and let them soak overnight.
Fill a large pot with potting soil and plant the seeds 2.5 cm deep. Only plant one seed per pot.
Moisten the soil and place the pot in a bright area. Ideally, keep the pot in a location with temperatures between 15.5°C and 24°C at all times.
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Be patient—germination may take from 1 to 4 months.
If you live in an area where winter temperatures do not fall below freezing, transplant the sprouted seedlings outdoors. If you live in a cold region, keep the plants in pots and repot them into larger containers as they grow.
