Native Plum Plant Care

Native Plum (Omphacomeria acerba) belongs to the Santalaceae family within the Omphacomeria genus. Native Plum is native to central-eastern and southeastern New South Wales and eastern Victoria in southeastern Australia.

Native Plum displays a slow-growing, compact shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Native Plum produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Native Plum every 10–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Native Plum thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Native Plum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Omphacomeria acerba tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Native Plum prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Native Plum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Native Plum every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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 light and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Native Plum is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Native Plum can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune Native Plum 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 shrub in one year.

Native Plum 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.

Native Plum can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.

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

Native Plum 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.

Native Plum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Native Plum is native to central-eastern and southeastern New South Wales and eastern Victoria in southeastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Native Plum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.