Troubleshooting
Nance problems — and how to fix them
Nance (Byrsonima crassifolia) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Very slow establishment
Nance is notably slow-growing, especially on its native poor soils. Young trees may show little visible growth in the first 1–2 years as they invest in root development. Patience is key; avoid the temptation to over-fertilise to speed growth, which can be counterproductive.
Fruiting inconsistency in cultivation
Trees transplanted into rich garden soils often produce abundant foliage but no fruit. Mimicking poor, slightly acidic soil conditions and reducing irrigation stress the tree into fruiting mode. Established wild or lightly managed trees fruit more reliably than heavily tended garden specimens.
Scale insects and sooty mould
Soft scale insects can colonise branches, excreting honeydew that leads to black sooty mould coating leaves and reducing photosynthesis. Treat with horticultural oil spray and ensure good air circulation within the canopy.
Prevent nance problems before they start
Most nance issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Nance problems — FAQ
Why is my nance very slow establishment?
Nance is notably slow-growing, especially on its native poor soils. Young trees may show little visible growth in the first 1–2 years as they invest in root development. Patience is key; avoid the temptation to over-fertilise to speed growth, which can be counterproductive.
Why is my nance fruiting inconsistency in cultivation?
Trees transplanted into rich garden soils often produce abundant foliage but no fruit. Mimicking poor, slightly acidic soil conditions and reducing irrigation stress the tree into fruiting mode. Established wild or lightly managed trees fruit more reliably than heavily tended garden specimens.
Why is my nance scale insects and sooty mould?
Soft scale insects can colonise branches, excreting honeydew that leads to black sooty mould coating leaves and reducing photosynthesis. Treat with horticultural oil spray and ensure good air circulation within the canopy.