Papua cedar Plant Care

Papua cedar (Papuacedrus papuana) belongs to the Cupressaceae family within the Papuacedrus genus. Papua cedar is native to New Guinea and to the Indonesian province of Maluku. Papua cedar is also known as New Guinea cedar.

Papua cedar displays a tall, conical tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Papua cedar produces small, inconspicuous cones.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Papua cedar 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.

Papua cedar thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Papuacedrus papuana tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Papua cedar prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Papua cedar to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Papua cedar every 8 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Papua cedar 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.

Papua cedar can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Papua cedar 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.

Papua cedar 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.

Papua cedar can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings.

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

Papua cedar is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, aphids. 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.

Papua cedar grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Papua cedar is native to New Guinea and to the Indonesian province of Maluku. In cooler regions, grow Papua cedar as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.