Dacrydium comptonii Plant Care

Dacrydium comptonii (Retrophyllum comptonii) belongs to the Podocarpaceae family within the Retrophyllum genus. Dacrydium comptonii is native to New Caledonia. Dacrydium comptonii is also known as Nageia comptonii.

Dacrydium comptonii displays a pyramidal, conical tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Dacrydium comptonii produces small, inconspicuous male and female cones.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Dacrydium comptonii 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.

Dacrydium comptonii thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Retrophyllum comptonii tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Dacrydium comptonii prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Dacrydium comptonii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Dacrydium comptonii 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 shade to full sun and well-draining acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Dacrydium comptonii is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

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.

Dacrydium comptonii 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 Dacrydium comptonii 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.

Dacrydium comptonii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Dacrydium comptonii can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to dacrydium cupressinum plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Dacrydium comptonii 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.

Dacrydium comptonii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Dacrydium comptonii is native to New Caledonia. In cooler regions, grow Dacrydium comptonii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.