Nerve-leaved Metrosideros Plant Care

Nerve-leaved Metrosideros (Metrosideros nervulosa) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Metrosideros genus. Nerve-leaved Metrosideros is native to Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea, part of the Australian state of New South Wales.

Nerve-leaved Metrosideros displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Nerve-leaved Metrosideros produces showy clusters of red, orange, or yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Nerve-leaved Metrosideros 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.

Nerve-leaved Metrosideros thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Metrosideros nervulosa tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Nerve-leaved Metrosideros prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Nerve-leaved Metrosideros to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Nerve-leaved Metrosideros 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 to partial shade and well-draining acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Nerve-leaved Metrosideros is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Nerve-leaved Metrosideros can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Nerve-leaved Metrosideros 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.

Nerve-leaved Metrosideros is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Nerve-leaved Metrosideros can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ʻōhiʻa plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Nerve-leaved Metrosideros is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, sooty mold. 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.

Nerve-leaved Metrosideros grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Nerve-leaved Metrosideros is native to Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea, part of the Australian state of New South Wales. In cooler regions, grow Nerve-leaved Metrosideros as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.