Puka Plant Care

Puka (Meryta lanceolata) belongs to the Araliaceae family within the Meryta genus. Puka is native to the islands of Bora Bora and Tahiti in the Society Islands of French Polynesia.

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

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Puka 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.

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

Meryta lanceolata tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Puka 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 Puka to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Puka 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.

Puka is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

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.

Puka 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 Puka 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.

Puka is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Puka 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.

Puka 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.

Puka grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Puka is native to the islands of Bora Bora and Tahiti in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. In cooler regions, grow Puka as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.