Rugose rata Plant Care

Rugose rata (Metrosideros rugosa) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Metrosideros genus. Rugose rata is native to the island of Oʻahu in the Hawaiian Islands.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Rugose rata 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.

Rugose rata thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Metrosideros rugosa tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Rugose rata 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 Rugose rata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Rugose rata 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.

Rugose rata 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.

Rugose rata 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 Rugose rata 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.

Rugose rata 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.

Rugose rata 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.

Rugose rata 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.

Rugose rata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Rugose rata is native to the island of Oʻahu in the Hawaiian Islands. In cooler regions, grow Rugose rata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.