Karaka Plant Care

Karaka (Martellidendron karaka) belongs to the Pandanaceae family within the Martellidendron genus. Karaka is native to Madagascar.

Karaka displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Karaka produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Karaka 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.

Karaka thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Karaka in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Martellidendron karaka tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Karaka prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Loose, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Karaka to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Karaka 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 bright indirect light and loose, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Karaka is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Karaka can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 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 Karaka 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.

Karaka 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.

Karaka can be propagated through air layering, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to martellidendron androcephalanthos plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Karaka is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs. 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.

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