Java Pine Plant Care

Java Pine (Casuarina junghuhniana) belongs to the Casuarinaceae family within the Casuarina genus. Java Pine is also known as Horsetail Tree, Pine Sheoak.

Java Pine displays a tall, slender tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Java Pine produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Java Pine every 14–21 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.

Java Pine thrives in full sun.

Casuarina junghuhniana tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F. Java Pine prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Java Pine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Java Pine 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 and well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Java Pine 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.

Java Pine can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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 Java Pine 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.

Java Pine 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.

Java Pine can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to belah plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Java Pine is susceptible to scale insects, borers. 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.

Java Pine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Java Pine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.