Meryta choristantha Plant Care

Meryta choristantha (Meryta choristantha) belongs to the Araliaceae family within the Meryta genus. Meryta choristantha is native to the island of Rapa Iti in the Tubuai Islands of French Polynesia.

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

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Meryta choristantha 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.

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

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

Well-draining, rich soil with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Meryta choristantha to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Meryta choristantha 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 well-draining, rich soil with added perlite for extra drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Meryta choristantha 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.

Meryta choristantha 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 Meryta choristantha 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.

Meryta choristantha 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.

Meryta choristantha can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to new zealand laurel plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Meryta choristantha is susceptible to 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.

Meryta choristantha grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Meryta choristantha is native to the island of Rapa Iti in the Tubuai Islands of French Polynesia. In cooler regions, grow Meryta choristantha as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.