Pohutukawa (Metrosideros)

Family: Myrtaceae

Origin: New Zealand, Australia, Polynesia and Malaysia.

The Size: grow up to 25 metres (82 ft) high, with a spreading, dome-like form.

Temperature & Humidity: It does well in seaside conditions and is hardy to about 25-30 degrees F.

Lightning: The Metrosideros excelsa needs full sun exposure, better next to a wall. They do not resist cold below 5 ºC or excessive heat

The Soil: The soil can be a normal commercial substrate with 20% organic matter. The transplant is done in autumn.

Watering: Water regularly so that the substrate is damp but without waterlogging.

Fertilizer: Fertilize every 15 days in summer with mineral fertilizer.

Reproduction: They propagate by cuttings in spring, by layering or by seeds sown in spring.

Features of Care: Pohutukawa Trees do not like permanently wet soil but are otherwise easy to care. Due to their enormous adaptibility Pohutakawa Trees (as they are called by the Maori) are suitable for pots on a terrace as well as being planted in a wintergarden or as a solitairy plant in a room. Also, they can easily be trimmed as a spherical bush or clear stem.

Difficulties: They are plants resistant to pests and diseases; they are sensitive to overwatering.