Photo: Dominik Maximilián RamíkCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
New Zealand laurel Plant Care
Corynocarpus similis Hemsl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's glossy, leathery leaves are its most striking feature, with a deep green color and prominent veining. Originally from New Zealand, Corynocarpus similis is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage texture and elegant appearance in indoor spaces.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for New Zealand laurel?
Plant New Zealand laurel in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 11a–12b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the New Zealand laurel Native To?
What Is the New Zealand laurel?
New Zealand laurel (Corynocarpus similis) belongs to the Corynocarpaceae family within the Corynocarpus genus. New Zealand laurel is native to Vanuatu. New Zealand laurel is also known as Karaka laurel.
New Zealand laurel displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. New Zealand laurel produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a New Zealand laurel?
Water a young or newly planted New Zealand laurel 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 New Zealand laurel Need?
New Zealand laurel thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the New Zealand laurel Prefer?
Corynocarpus similis tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. New Zealand laurel prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a New Zealand laurel?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for New Zealand laurel to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a New Zealand laurel?
Feed New Zealand laurel every 6 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 6 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 New Zealand laurel?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
New Zealand laurel is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a New Zealand laurel?
New Zealand laurel can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a New Zealand laurel?
Prune New Zealand laurel 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 New Zealand laurel in Winter?
New Zealand laurel is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). 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 New Zealand laurel?
New Zealand laurel can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to karaka plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the New Zealand laurel Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list New Zealand laurel, 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 New Zealand laurel?
New Zealand laurel is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs. 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 New Zealand laurel Need?
New Zealand laurel grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. New Zealand laurel is native to Vanuatu. In cooler regions, grow New Zealand laurel as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
New Zealand laurel 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 Corynocarpus genus — compare its care with other Corynocarpus species on PlantoScan.
Corynocarpus is part of the Corynocarpaceae plant family — browse all Corynocarpaceae genera and species.
New Zealand laurel thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Corynocarpus similis Hemsl., family Corynocarpaceae (first published in Ann. Bot. (Oxford) 17: 753 (1903)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list New Zealand laurel, 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.
- Photo: Dominik Maximilián Ramík, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
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