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Metrosideros Excelsa

Also known as

Pōhutukawa, Pōhutukawa, New zealand pohutukawa, New zealand christmas tree, New zealand christmas bush and Iron tree

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Metrosideros excelsa

Genus

Metrosideros

Family

Myrtaceae

Order

Myrtales

How to care for Metrosideros Excelsa

💦 Water

How often to water your Metrosideros Excelsa

Metrosideros Excelsa needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Pōhutukawa in your home

Metrosideros Excelsa may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.

Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Metrosideros Excelsa in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Metrosideros Excelsa

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Metrosideros Excelsa: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Metrosideros Excelsa after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

My plant is drying out and looks like it’s getting burnt at the top. Too little water or too much sun?

Browse #Pōhutukawa

💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

Metrosideros Excelsa prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Pōhutukawa Water Frequency →

Pōhutukawa Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Metrosideros Excelsa may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves 🍃 without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Pōhutukawa Light Requirements →

Pōhutukawa Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.

🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Metrosideros Excelsa can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 7a-10b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

Pōhutukawa Temperature Tolerance →

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.