Wollemi Pine Plant Care

Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis) belongs to the Araucariaceae family within the Wollemia genus. Wollemi Pine is native to Australia. Wollemi Pine is also known as Wollemi, Living Fossil.

Wollemi Pine displays a tall, conical tree growth habit, reaching up to 100 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Wollemi Pine produces small, inconspicuous.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Wollemi Pine 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.

Wollemi Pine thrives in partial to full sun.

Wollemia nobilis tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Wollemi Pine prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Wollemi Pine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Wollemi Pine 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 to full sun and well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Wollemi Pine 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.

Wollemi Pine can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 100 ft (30 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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 Wollemi Pine 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.

Wollemi Pine 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.

Wollemi Pine can be propagated through seeds, cuttings.

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

Wollemi Pine is susceptible to aphids, 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.

Wollemi Pine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Wollemi Pine is native to Australia. In cooler regions, grow Wollemi Pine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.