Kauri Pine
agathis ovata
Also known as: ["New Caledonia Kauri","Kauri"]
Overview
A large, evergreen conifer native to New Caledonia, known for its tall trunk and dense crown of dark green foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Araucariaceae |
| Genus: | Agathis |
| Botanical Name: | Agathis ovata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright, indirect light area or sheltered outdoor location
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand; some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months; after flowering or significant growth spurts.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to partial shade in intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light; avoid sudden exposure to prevent scorching; place in filtered light indoors or dappled shade outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct midday sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; check moisture before watering.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates 50–85°F (10–29°C); cooler temperatures in winter promote dormancy.
Protect from drafts; use a thermometer to monitor; adjust care seasonally.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or air layering; seeds are less common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%); warm temperatures (70–75°F); indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or sphagnum moss.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment takes 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bag, humidity dome, rooting medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction; remove crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or diseased growth; shape the plant; encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/diseased parts; shape evenly; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the main growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; when growth slows or soil degrades.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; trim roots; use fresh soil; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water the root zone directly until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with chunky materials.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves (cold stress); wilting or leaf drop (heat stress); stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause root damage; leaves may turn yellow or drop.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate roots with mulch; avoid cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow; soil may dry too quickly.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; stop in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring–summer); cease in fall–winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAgathis ovata is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with its consumption or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicAgathis ovata is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with its consumption or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAgathis ovata, commonly known as the Kauri pine, is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with its consumption or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Agathis ovata suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is a large tree best suited for outdoor landscapes.
Q: How fast does Agathis ovata grow?
A: It is a relatively slow-growing tree, taking many years to reach significant height.
Q: Does Agathis ovata produce any flowers or fruits?
A: As a conifer, it produces cones rather than flowers or fruits.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Araucariaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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