Brown Myrtle Plant Care

Brown Myrtle (Cryptocarya cocosoides) belongs to the Lauraceae family within the Cryptocarya genus. Brown Myrtle is native to north Queensland. Brown Myrtle is also known as Native Laurel.

Brown Myrtle displays a tall, evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Brown Myrtle produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Brown Myrtle 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.

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

Cryptocarya cocosoides tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Brown Myrtle prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Brown Myrtle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Brown Myrtle 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 partial to full shade and well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Brown Myrtle is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Brown Myrtle can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 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.

Prune Brown Myrtle 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.

Brown Myrtle is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Brown Myrtle can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Brown Myrtle is susceptible to scale insects, caterpillars. 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.

Brown Myrtle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Brown Myrtle is native to north Queensland. In cooler regions, grow Brown Myrtle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.