Dracophyllum pyramidale Plant Care
Dracophyllum pyramidale W.R.B.Oliv.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dracophyllum traversii, commonly known as mountain neinei, grass tree, and pineapple tree is a species of flowering plant in the heath family Ericaceae. It is a deciduous tree endemic to New Zealand.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Dracophyllum pyramidale?
Plant Dracophyllum pyramidale in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Dracophyllum pyramidale Native To?
What Is the Dracophyllum pyramidale?
Dracophyllum pyramidale (Dracophyllum pyramidale) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Dracophyllum genus. Dracophyllum pyramidale is native to New Zealand.
Dracophyllum pyramidale displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Dracophyllum pyramidale produces small, bell-shaped white or pink flowers in terminal clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dracophyllum pyramidale?
Water a young or newly planted Dracophyllum pyramidale 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Dracophyllum pyramidale Need?
Dracophyllum pyramidale thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dracophyllum pyramidale Prefer?
Dracophyllum pyramidale tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Dracophyllum pyramidale prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dracophyllum pyramidale?
Well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Dracophyllum pyramidale to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dracophyllum pyramidale?
Feed Dracophyllum pyramidale every 6 months 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.
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 Dracophyllum pyramidale?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Dracophyllum pyramidale is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Dracophyllum pyramidale?
Dracophyllum pyramidale 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.
How Do You Prune a Dracophyllum pyramidale?
Prune Dracophyllum pyramidale 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.
How Do You Care for a Dracophyllum pyramidale in Winter?
Dracophyllum pyramidale 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.
How Do You Propagate a Dracophyllum pyramidale?
Dracophyllum pyramidale can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fiordland dragonwood plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dracophyllum pyramidale Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dracophyllum pyramidale, 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 Dracophyllum pyramidale?
Dracophyllum pyramidale is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Dracophyllum pyramidale Need?
Dracophyllum pyramidale grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Dracophyllum pyramidale is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Dracophyllum pyramidale as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Dracophyllum pyramidale 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 Dracophyllum genus — compare its care with other Dracophyllum species on PlantoScan.
Dracophyllum is part of the Ericaceae plant family — browse all Ericaceae genera and species.
Dracophyllum pyramidale thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Dracophyllum Species
Other Dracophyllum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dracophyllum pyramidale W.R.B.Oliv., family Ericaceae (first published in Trans. & Proc. Roy. Soc. New Zealand 80: 16 (1952)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dracophyllum pyramidale, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
