Canary wood Plant Care

Canary wood (Ochrosia brevituba) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Ochrosia genus. Canary wood is native to New Caledonia. Canary wood is also known as Yellowwood, Strychnine tree.

Canary wood displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Canary wood produces small, fragrant white or yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Canary wood every 7–10 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.

Canary wood thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Canary wood in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Ochrosia brevituba tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Canary wood prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Canary wood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Canary wood 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 bright indirect to partial shade and well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Canary wood 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.

Canary wood 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 Canary wood 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.

Canary wood 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.

Canary wood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Canary wood 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.

Canary wood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Canary wood is native to New Caledonia. In cooler regions, grow Canary wood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.