New Zealand laurel Plant Care

New Zealand laurel (Meryta latifolia) belongs to the Araliaceae family within the Meryta genus. New Zealand laurel is native to Norfolk Island, Australia. New Zealand laurel is also known as puka tree.

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

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted New Zealand laurel 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.

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

Meryta latifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. New Zealand laurel 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 New Zealand laurel to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed New Zealand laurel 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.

New Zealand laurel is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 11b.

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.

New Zealand laurel 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 New Zealand laurel 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.

New Zealand laurel is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

New Zealand laurel can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to puka plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

New Zealand laurel 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.

New Zealand laurel grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. New Zealand laurel is native to Norfolk Island, Australia. In cooler regions, grow New Zealand laurel as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.