Kahikatea Plant Care

Kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides) belongs to the Podocarpaceae family within the Dacrycarpus genus. Kahikatea is native to New Zealand. Kahikatea is also known as White Pine, New Zealand Kahikatea, Yellow Pine.

Kahikatea displays a tall coniferous tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Kahikatea produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Kahikatea 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.

Kahikatea thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Kahikatea prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. 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 Kahikatea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Kahikatea 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 shade to full sun and well-draining acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Kahikatea 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.

Kahikatea can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 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 Kahikatea 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.

Kahikatea 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.

Kahikatea can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to yellow pine plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Kahikatea 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.

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