Nickel plant Plant Care

Nickel plant (Pycnandra acuminata) belongs to the Sapotaceae family within the Pycnandra genus. Nickel plant is native to New Caledonia. Nickel plant is also known as New Caledonian nickel hyperaccumulator.

Nickel plant displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Nickel plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Nickel plant 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.

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

Pycnandra acuminata tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Nickel plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Nickel plant 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 light and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Nickel plant is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

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.

Nickel plant can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Nickel plant 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.

Nickel plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Nickel plant can be propagated through seeds, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to blue sap tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Nickel plant is susceptible to mealybugs, 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.

Nickel plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Nickel plant is native to New Caledonia. In cooler regions, grow Nickel plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.