Longan 'Red Ruby' (Dimocarpus longan) - Grafted - LIVE PLANT

Plant Insights and Care

Red Ruby Longan (Dimocarpus longan cultivar) is a distinctive longan variety noted for its striking red-tinged skin and superior sweetness. It is a grafted tree form native to Southeast Asia with promising potential for tropical and warm climates. The tree develops into a medium-sized evergreen, typically reaching 8–12 meters in height under ideal conditions.

This variety thrives in warm, humid settings and performs best in full sun. For regions with intense sunlight or heat (such as the UAE), providing partial afternoon shade and a thick mulch layer to protect the root zone is beneficial. The preferred soil type is rich, well-draining loam with added organic matter; soil pH should be around 5.5–6.5 to promote fruiting. Deep, regular watering is recommended during flowering and fruit set, while ensuring the tree is not left in waterlogged conditions. Fertilize annually with a balanced tropical fruit tree fertilizer, and increase potassium and phosphorus during fruit development. Light pruning to remove crowded branching and promote airflow is advisable.

Key Points:

• Origin: Southeast Asia, grafted cultivar.

• Climate: Tropical to warm subtropical; sensitive to cool temperatures and best suited to heat with irrigation.

• Sun Exposure: Full sun preferred; partial shade during extreme heat.

• Watering: Regular deep watering during fruiting; avoid stagnant water.

• Soil: Fertile, well-draining loam enriched with organic matter; pH ≈ 5.5–6.5.

• Fertilization: Balanced tropical fruit tree feed with elevated potassium/phosphorus during fruit set.

• Pruning: Light annual thinning for canopy health and fruit access.

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast; depending on rootstock and conditions, fruiting may begin in ~3–4 years after grafting.

Fruit Profile

The Red Ruby Longan produces clusters of round to slightly oval fruits, commonly sized between 2.5–3 cm in diameter. The most notable feature is the bright ruby-red to deep red skin, distinguishing it from typical longan varieties. Inside is translucent white flesh, juicy and sweet, with reported Brix (sugar content) values around 21, indicating high sweetness levels. Taste is described as a blend of lychee and grape, with an aromatic and crisp texture.

Dive into the facts:

• Taste: Intensely sweet, juicy, with a hint of grape-lychee aroma.

• Appearance: Bold red rind when ripe, translucent flesh inside; clusters make a spectacular display.

• Fun Fact: Because of its bright red skin and sweet flavour, the Red Ruby Longan is often marketed as a premium “ruby” fruit—its appearance gives it a jewel-like appeal in tropical fruit collections.