Chilean myrtle Plant Care

Chilean myrtle (Luma apiculata) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Luma genus. Chilean myrtle is native to the central Andes between Chile and Argentina, at 33 to 45° south latitude. Chilean myrtle is also known as Arrayán, Temu.

Chilean myrtle displays a small evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Chilean myrtle produces white, fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chilean myrtle every 7–10 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.

Chilean myrtle thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Luma apiculata tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Chilean myrtle 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, such as peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Chilean myrtle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chilean myrtle 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining acidic soil with high organic content, such as peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chilean 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.

Chilean myrtle can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Chilean 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.

Chilean 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.

Chilean myrtle can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chequén plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Chilean myrtle is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Chilean myrtle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Chilean myrtle is native to the central Andes between Chile and Argentina, at 33 to 45° south latitude. In cooler regions, grow Chilean myrtle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.