False Nutmeg Plant Care

False Nutmeg (Myristica chartacea) belongs to the Myristicaceae family within the Myristica genus. False Nutmeg is native to Fiji. False Nutmeg is also known as Papuan Nutmeg.

False Nutmeg displays a tall, evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. False Nutmeg produces small, yellowish flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted False Nutmeg 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.

False Nutmeg thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Myristica chartacea tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. False Nutmeg prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for False Nutmeg to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed False Nutmeg 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 partial shade to full sun and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

False Nutmeg is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

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.

False Nutmeg 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 False Nutmeg 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.

False Nutmeg is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

False Nutmeg can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wild nutmeg plant care, which shares the same genus.

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False Nutmeg is susceptible to mealybugs, 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.

False Nutmeg grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. False Nutmeg is native to Fiji. In cooler regions, grow False Nutmeg as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.