Stipulate Metrosideros Plant Care

Metrosideros stipularis Hook.f.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Metrosideros stipularis is a species of the myrtle family commonly known as tepú, trepú, or tepual. It is an evergreen tree or shrub that attains heights of about four to five metres.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Stipulate Metrosideros?

Plant Stipulate Metrosideros in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Stipulate Metrosideros Native To?

Native range13 countries

What Is the Stipulate Metrosideros?

Stipulate Metrosideros (Metrosideros stipularis) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Metrosideros genus. Stipulate Metrosideros is native to southern South America in the southern portions of Chile and Argentina.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Stipulate Metrosideros?

Water a young or newly planted Stipulate 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Stipulate Metrosideros Need?

Stipulate Metrosideros thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Stipulate Metrosideros Prefer?

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

Temperature

50–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Stipulate Metrosideros?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Stipulate Metrosideros?

Feed Stipulate 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Stipulate Metrosideros?

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.

Stipulate 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Stipulate Metrosideros?

Stipulate 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.

How Do You Prune a Stipulate Metrosideros?

Prune Stipulate 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.

How Do You Care for a Stipulate Metrosideros in Winter?

Stipulate 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.

How Do You Propagate a Stipulate Metrosideros?

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

Is the Stipulate Metrosideros Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Stipulate Metrosideros, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

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

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Stipulate Metrosideros?

Stipulate 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Stipulate Metrosideros Need?

Stipulate Metrosideros grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Stipulate Metrosideros is native to southern South America in the southern portions of Chile and Argentina. In cooler regions, grow Stipulate Metrosideros as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Stipulate Metrosideros is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Metrosideros genus — compare its care with other Metrosideros species on PlantoScan.

Metrosideros is part of the Myrtaceae plant family — browse all Myrtaceae genera and species.

Stipulate Metrosideros thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Metrosideros Species

Other Metrosideros species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Metrosideros stipularis Hook.f., family Myrtaceae (first published in Fl. Antarct. : 275 (1846)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Stipulate Metrosideros, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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