Pacific Kauri Plant Care

Pacific Kauri (Agathis macrophylla) belongs to the Araucariaceae family within the Agathis genus. Pacific Kauri is native to the islands of the southwestern Pacific Ocean in tropical humid lowlands and lower montane regions, notably in Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Santa Cruz Islands. Pacific Kauri is also known as Fiji Kauri, Norfolk Kauri.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pacific 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.

Pacific Kauri thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

Feed Pacific 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.

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

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.

Pacific Kauri is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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.

Pacific 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.

Prune Pacific 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.

Pacific Kauri is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

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

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

Pacific 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.

Pacific Kauri grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Pacific Kauri is native to the islands of the southwestern Pacific Ocean in tropical humid lowlands and lower montane regions, notably in Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Santa Cruz Islands. In cooler regions, grow Pacific Kauri as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.