Luquillo Myrtle Plant Care

Luquillo Myrtle (Myrcia luquillensis) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Myrcia genus. Luquillo Myrtle is native to Puerto Rico.

Luquillo Myrtle displays an upright, bushy shrub or small tree growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Luquillo Myrtle produces small, white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Luquillo Myrtle 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.

Luquillo Myrtle thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Myrcia luquillensis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Luquillo Myrtle prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Luquillo Myrtle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Luquillo Myrtle 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, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Luquillo Myrtle is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Luquillo Myrtle can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Luquillo Myrtle 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.

Luquillo Myrtle is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Luquillo Myrtle can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to myrcia guianensis plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Luquillo Myrtle is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Luquillo Myrtle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Luquillo Myrtle is native to Puerto Rico. In cooler regions, grow Luquillo Myrtle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.