Chilean Plum Pine Plant Care

Chilean Plum Pine (Prumnopitys andina) belongs to the Podocarpaceae family within the Prumnopitys genus. Chilean Plum Pine is native to south-central Chile and a few areas in adjacent parts of westernmost Argentina from 36 to 40° South latitude. Chilean Plum Pine is also known as Prumnopitys Pine.

Chilean Plum Pine displays a tall, conical tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Chilean Plum Pine produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chilean Plum Pine 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.

Chilean Plum Pine thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Chilean Plum Pine in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Prumnopitys andina tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Chilean Plum Pine prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Chilean Plum Pine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chilean Plum Pine 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 partial to full shade and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chilean Plum Pine 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.

Chilean Plum Pine can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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 Chilean Plum Pine 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.

Chilean Plum Pine 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.

Chilean Plum Pine can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to dwarf miro plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Chilean Plum Pine is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Chilean Plum Pine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Chilean Plum Pine is native to south-central Chile and a few areas in adjacent parts of westernmost Argentina from 36 to 40° South latitude. In cooler regions, grow Chilean Plum Pine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.