Myristica pubicarpa Plant Care

Myristica pubicarpa W.J.de Wilde

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Myristica pubicarpa is a species of plant in the family Myristicaceae. It is a tree endemic to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Myristica pubicarpa?

Plant Myristica pubicarpa in partial shade to full sun (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Myristica pubicarpa Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Myristica pubicarpa?

Myristica pubicarpa (Myristica pubicarpa) belongs to the Myristicaceae family within the Myristica genus. Myristica pubicarpa is native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Myristica pubicarpa?

Water a young or newly planted Myristica pubicarpa 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 Myristica pubicarpa Need?

Myristica pubicarpa thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Light Requirement

Partial shade to full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Myristica pubicarpa Prefer?

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

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Myristica pubicarpa?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Myristica pubicarpa?

Feed Myristica pubicarpa 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 Myristica pubicarpa?

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.

Myristica pubicarpa is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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 Myristica pubicarpa?

Myristica pubicarpa 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 Myristica pubicarpa?

Prune Myristica pubicarpa 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 Myristica pubicarpa in Winter?

Myristica pubicarpa 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.

How Do You Propagate a Myristica pubicarpa?

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

Is the Myristica pubicarpa Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Myristica pubicarpa, 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 Myristica pubicarpa?

Myristica pubicarpa 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Myristica pubicarpa Need?

Myristica pubicarpa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Myristica pubicarpa is native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia. In cooler regions, grow Myristica pubicarpa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Myristica pubicarpa 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 Myristica genus — compare its care with other Myristica species on PlantoScan.

Myristica is part of the Myristicaceae plant family — browse all Myristicaceae genera and species.

Myristica pubicarpa thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Myristica Species

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

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Myristica pubicarpa W.J.de Wilde, family Myristicaceae (first published in Blumea 35: 251 (1990)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Myristica pubicarpa, 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 13b, 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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