Raukaua laetevirens Plant Care

Raukaua laetevirens (Raukaua laetevirens) belongs to the Araliaceae family within the Raukaua genus. Raukaua laetevirens is native to Chile and adjacent parts of Argentina.

Raukaua laetevirens displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Raukaua laetevirens produces small clusters of white or greenish flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Raukaua laetevirens 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.

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

Raukaua laetevirens tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Raukaua laetevirens prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Raukaua laetevirens to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Raukaua laetevirens every 4 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, fertile soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Raukaua laetevirens is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Raukaua laetevirens can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Raukaua laetevirens 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.

Raukaua laetevirens is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Raukaua laetevirens can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to edgerley's raukaua plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Raukaua laetevirens is susceptible to aphids, 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.

Raukaua laetevirens grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Raukaua laetevirens is native to Chile and adjacent parts of Argentina. In cooler regions, grow Raukaua laetevirens as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.