Australian turpentine Plant Care

Australian turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Syncarpia genus. Australian turpentine is native to New South Wales and Queensland in Australia, which can reach 60 metres in height. Australian turpentine is also known as Turpentine tree, Red turpentine.

Australian turpentine displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Australian turpentine produces small white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Australian turpentine 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.

Australian turpentine thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Syncarpia glomulifera tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Australian turpentine prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Australian turpentine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Australian turpentine 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Australian turpentine is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Australian turpentine 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 Australian turpentine 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.

Australian turpentine is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Australian turpentine can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to brushed box plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Australian turpentine is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. 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.

Australian turpentine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Australian turpentine is native to New South Wales and Queensland in Australia, which can reach 60 metres in height. In cooler regions, grow Australian turpentine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.