Bluewood Plant Care

Bluewood (Pycnandra goroensis) belongs to the Sapotaceae family within the Pycnandra genus. Bluewood is native to New Caledonia. Bluewood is also known as Goro nickel plant.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bluewood 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.

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

Pycnandra goroensis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Bluewood 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 Bluewood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bluewood 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.

Bluewood 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.

Bluewood 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 Bluewood 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.

Bluewood 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.

Bluewood can be propagated through seeds, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to nickel plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Bluewood 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.

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