Amborella Plant Care

Amborella (Amborella trichopoda) belongs to the Amborellaceae family within the Amborella genus. Amborella is native to the main island, Grande Terre, of New Caledonia in the southwest Pacific Ocean.

Amborella displays a small understory shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Amborella produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

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

Amborella thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Amborella in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Amborella trichopoda tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Amborella prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Amborella to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Amborella every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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 partial to full shade and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Amborella is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.

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

Amborella can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune Amborella 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 shrub in one year.

Amborella 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.

Amborella can be propagated through seeds.

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

Amborella is susceptible to not commonly affected by pests. 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.

Amborella grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Amborella is native to the main island, Grande Terre, of New Caledonia in the southwest Pacific Ocean. In cooler regions, grow Amborella as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.