Queensland nut Plant Care

Queensland nut (Macadamia tetraphylla) belongs to the Proteaceae family within the Macadamia genus. Queensland nut is native to Australia. Queensland nut is also known as Rough-shelled bush nut, Four-leaf macadamia.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Queensland 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.

Queensland nut thrives in full sun.

Macadamia tetraphylla tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Queensland 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 Queensland nut to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Queensland 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.

Queensland 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.

Queensland 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 Queensland 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.

Queensland 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.

Queensland nut can be propagated through seeds, grafting.

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Queensland 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.

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