Oribula Kauri Plant Care

Agathis orbicula de Laub.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Agathis orbicula is a coniferous tree native to the island of Borneo. It is found scattered throughout tropical rainforests and Kerangas forests.

🌳Trees🌲Conifers
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Oribula Kauri?

Plant Oribula Kauri in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Oribula Kauri Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the Oribula Kauri?

Oribula Kauri (Agathis orbicula) belongs to the Araucariaceae family within the Agathis genus. Oribula Kauri is native to the island of Borneo.

Oribula Kauri displays a tall, conical tree growth habit, reaching up to 100 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Oribula Kauri produces small male and female cones.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Oribula Kauri?

Water a young or newly planted Oribula Kauri every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Oribula Kauri Need?

Oribula Kauri thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Oribula Kauri Prefer?

Agathis orbicula tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Oribula Kauri prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Oribula Kauri?

Well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss or pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Oribula Kauri to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Oribula Kauri?

Feed Oribula Kauri every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 8 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Oribula Kauri?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss or pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Oribula Kauri is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Oribula Kauri?

Oribula Kauri can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 100 ft (30 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Oribula Kauri?

Prune Oribula Kauri while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

How Do You Care for a Oribula Kauri in Winter?

Oribula Kauri is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Oribula Kauri?

Oribula Kauri can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pacific kauri plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Oribula Kauri Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Oribula Kauri, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Oribula Kauri?

Oribula Kauri is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Oribula Kauri Need?

Oribula Kauri grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Oribula Kauri is native to the island of Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Oribula Kauri as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Oribula Kauri is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Agathis genus — compare its care with other Agathis species on PlantoScan.

Agathis is part of the Araucariaceae plant family — browse all Araucariaceae genera and species.

Oribula Kauri thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Agathis Species

Other Agathis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Agathis orbicula de Laub., family Araucariaceae (first published in Blumea 25: 540 (1979)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Oribula Kauri, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

PlantoScan app icon

Identify Plants Like the
Oribula Kauri Instantly

Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Free

to download

iOS & Android

platforms

Light & dark

mode

100,000+

species