Rusty plum Plant Care

Rusty plum (Prumnopitys ferruginea) belongs to the Podocarpaceae family within the Prumnopitys genus. Rusty plum is native to New Zealand. Rusty plum is also known as Rusty pine.

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

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Rusty plum 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.

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

Prumnopitys ferruginea tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Rusty plum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Rusty plum 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.

Rusty plum is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 10b.

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.

Rusty plum 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 Rusty 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 tree in one year.

Rusty plum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Rusty plum can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chilean plum pine plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Rusty plum 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.

Rusty plum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Rusty plum is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Rusty plum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.