Tree Myrica Plant Care
Myrica arborea Hutch.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Myrica arborea is a species of plant in the Myricaceae family. A non-legume nitrogen fixer, it is endemic to Cameroon and Bioko.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Tree Myrica?
Plant Tree Myrica 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 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Tree Myrica Native To?
What Is the Tree Myrica?
Tree Myrica (Myrica arborea) belongs to the Myricaceae family within the Myrica genus. Tree Myrica is native to Cameroon and Bioko.
Tree Myrica displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Tree Myrica produces inconspicuous small flowers in catkins.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tree Myrica?
Water a young or newly planted Tree Myrica 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 Tree Myrica Need?
Tree Myrica thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tree Myrica Prefer?
Myrica arborea tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Tree Myrica prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tree Myrica?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Tree Myrica to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tree Myrica?
Feed Tree Myrica 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 Tree Myrica?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Tree Myrica 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 Tree Myrica?
Tree Myrica can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 Tree Myrica?
Prune Tree Myrica 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 Tree Myrica in Winter?
Tree Myrica 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 Tree Myrica?
Tree Myrica can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to california bay plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tree Myrica Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tree Myrica, 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 Tree Myrica?
Tree Myrica is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. 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 Tree Myrica Need?
Tree Myrica grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Tree Myrica is native to Cameroon and Bioko. In cooler regions, grow Tree Myrica as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Tree Myrica 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 Myrica genus — compare its care with other Myrica species on PlantoScan.
Myrica is part of the Myricaceae plant family — browse all Myricaceae genera and species.
Tree Myrica thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Myrica Species
Other Myrica species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Myrica arborea Hutch., family Myricaceae (first published in Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1917: 134 (1917)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tree Myrica, 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.
