Trochocarpa laurina Plant Care
Trochocarpa laurina (Rudge) R.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Trochocarpa laurina, commonly known as tree heath, axebreaker, sandberry, wheel-fruit or waddy wood, is a species of flowering plant of the family Ericaceae and is endemic to eastern Australia. It is a compact shrub to crooked tree with elliptic leaves at the ends of branches, tube-shaped white flowers arranged singly or in spikes at the ends of branches, and purple to black drupes.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full shade
50–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Trochocarpa laurina?
Plant Trochocarpa laurina in partial shade to full shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Trochocarpa laurina Native To?
What Is the Trochocarpa laurina?
Trochocarpa laurina (Trochocarpa laurina) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Trochocarpa genus. Trochocarpa laurina is native to eastern Australia.
Trochocarpa laurina displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Trochocarpa laurina produces small bell-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, or red.
Leaf size: approximately 2.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Trochocarpa laurina?
Water a young or newly planted Trochocarpa laurina every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Trochocarpa laurina Need?
Trochocarpa laurina thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Trochocarpa laurina in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Trochocarpa laurina Prefer?
Trochocarpa laurina tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Trochocarpa laurina prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Trochocarpa laurina?
Well-draining acidic soil mix with added peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Trochocarpa laurina to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Trochocarpa laurina?
Feed Trochocarpa laurina every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Trochocarpa laurina?
Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with added peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Trochocarpa laurina is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Trochocarpa laurina?
Trochocarpa laurina can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Trochocarpa laurina?
Prune Trochocarpa laurina 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 shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Trochocarpa laurina in Winter?
Trochocarpa laurina 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.
How Do You Propagate a Trochocarpa laurina?
Trochocarpa laurina can be propagated through seeds, cuttings.
Is the Trochocarpa laurina Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Trochocarpa laurina, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Trochocarpa laurina?
Trochocarpa laurina is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, aphids. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Trochocarpa laurina Need?
Trochocarpa laurina grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Trochocarpa laurina is native to eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Trochocarpa laurina as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Trochocarpa laurina is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Trochocarpa genus — compare its care with other Trochocarpa species on PlantoScan.
Trochocarpa is part of the Ericaceae plant family — browse all Ericaceae genera and species.
Trochocarpa laurina copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Trochocarpa laurina (Rudge) R.Br., family Ericaceae (first published in Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland. : 548 (1810)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Trochocarpa laurina, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
