Macadamia Nut Plant Care

Macadamia Nut (Macadamia ternifolia) belongs to the Proteaceae family within the Macadamia genus. Macadamia Nut is native to Queensland in Australia. Macadamia Nut is also known as Queensland Nut, Rough-leaved Queensland Nut, Brown Nut.

Macadamia Nut displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 25 ft. Macadamia Nut produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Macadamia Nut 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.

Macadamia Nut thrives in full sun.

Macadamia ternifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Macadamia Nut prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Macadamia Nut to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Macadamia Nut 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 and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Macadamia Nut is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Macadamia Nut can spread to about 25 ft (7.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 25 ft (7.6 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 Macadamia Nut 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.

Macadamia Nut is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Macadamia Nut can be propagated through seeds, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to macadamia nut plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Macadamia Nut is susceptible to scale insects, mites, 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.

Macadamia Nut grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Macadamia Nut is native to Queensland in Australia. In cooler regions, grow Macadamia Nut as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.