Hedycarya arborea — an easy houseplant, prefers partial sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Hedycarya arborea

Hedycarya Arborea

Updated · 2 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Hedycarya arborea, commonly known as pigeonwood, porokaiwhiri, and poporokaiwhiri is an endemic tree of New Zealand. Found on both the North and South islands of the country, the tree grows to a height of 15 metres. The leaves are oval shaped with shallow serrations. Ripe fruits turn red and the plant received its common name back when it was assumed that the New Zealand wood pigeon particularly favoured them, based on observations of the birds eating the fruit. It has since been discovered that the New Zealand wood pigeon does not prefer these berries, and tends to eat them as a 'famine food' when better fare is not available.

A note from PlantMom

Pigeon wood is resistant to disease and typically not susceptible to illnesses. In terms of care, the plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs little watering, and larger specimens usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Pigeon wood is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not need much prior care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Hedycarya Arborea.

Light

Pigeon wood comes from the understory of tropical forests, where it receives dappled sunlight. It grows well in partial sun but can also tolerate full sun, adapting to different light levels.

Water

Pigeon wood thrives in high humidity and prefers consistent moisture, needing watering every 2-3 weeks. While it can tolerate moderate drought, it performs best when the soil remains evenly moist. As an evergreen, pigeon wood retains its foliage all year round, which influences its water requirements throughout the seasons.

Temperature

Pigeon wood is naturally suited to a moderate climate, preferring temperatures of 68 to 95 °F (20 to 35 ℃). For optimal growth, it is advisable to make slight temperature adjustments to match the changing seasons.

Fertilizer

Apply fertilizer to your Pigeon wood in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Regular feeding boosts overall health, leading to vigorous development, increased resilience to harsh conditions, and enhanced resistance to pests and diseases. Keep a consistent fertilization schedule for your Pigeon wood to maintain vibrant, deeply colored foliage and a lush appearance.

Pruning

Pigeon wood features aromatic leaves and yellow flowers. To maintain its health and shape, prune the plant during its dormant period, from early to late winter. By removing dead or crossing branches, you can improve air circulation and prevent decay. This seasonal pruning not only enhances the plant's structure and appearance but also encourages the growth of a strong and attractive pigeon wood.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Hedycarya
Family
Monimiaceae
Hardiness Zone
9
Mature Height
14.94 m
Mature Spread
3.96 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow, White
Flower Size
1.02 cm
Bloom Time
Mid fall, Late fall, Early winter
Planting Time
Autumn
Harvest Time
Spring
Native Area
New Zealand
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Pigeonwood
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Pigeon wood in the best way?

Your Pigeon wood is not picky about how you water it. You can use any common watering tool like a watering can, hose, or even a cup. It's important to apply the water directly to the soil and make sure you evenly moisten all areas to provide water to the entire root system. Filtered water is preferred over tap water to avoid harmful particles. Additionally, using water at or slightly above room temperature is best as extremely hot or cold water can shock the plant. However, the Pigeon wood usually responds well to any kind of water you give it.

How much sunlight does Pigeon Wood need each day?

When growing Pigeon wood indoors, it is important to provide it with ample indirect, filtered, or dappled light. Therefore, it should be placed in a sunny spot throughout the day. The amount of natural daylight can vary with the seasons, but a general guideline is to aim for at least 6 hours, including 3-6 hours of direct sunlight. Pigeon wood can tolerate many hours of indirect sun without harm, but direct sunlight should be monitored carefully.

What temperature is best for Pigeon wood?

Plants can be affected by cold temperatures because they take on the temperature of their surroundings. When they are in the sun, they can warm up again, but this doesn't happen in winter. Pigeon wood trees typically thrive in temperatures between 70-85℉(21-30℃), and they can tolerate between 20-30℉(-6-0℃), and sometimes even as low as 15℉(-10℃). However, prolonged exposure to these chilly temperatures can result in frost damage. To keep these trees healthy, it's important to ensure that the temperature doesn't exceed 70-85℉(21-30℃). Additionally, giving them occasional water spray and providing some shade can help prevent wilting.

What should I do if I give too much or too little water to my Pigeon wood?

Outdoor plants, especially newly planted ones or seedlings, can be prone to lack of watering. It's important to ensure they receive enough water for the first few months when they are small or recently planted. Once established, Pigeon wood can rely on rain for moisture. When Pigeon wood is planted in pots, overwatering is more likely to occur. If you accidentally overwater your Pigeon wood, take immediate action to fix the situation. Stop watering the plant right away to minimize the effects of overwatering. Then, remove the plant from its pot and check the roots for signs of root rot. If there is no root rot, you can return the plant to its container. However, if you find root rot, trim away affected roots and apply a fungicide to prevent further damage. Finally, repot the Pigeon wood in well-draining soil. In the case of underwatering, simply water the plant more frequently. If you notice the plant's leaves drooping, drying out, and falling off, watering it adequately will make the leaves regain their fullness quickly. Make sure to adjust your watering frequency promptly when underwatering occurs.

What kind of sunlight does Pigeon wood require?

Pigeon wood in the wild enjoys abundant sunlight all day long. However, this sunlight is mostly indirect as it passes through the leafy canopy of tall trees. When grown indoors, Pigeon wood should be exposed to bright, indirect light by placing it on a sunny windowsill or using grow lights.

Do I need to change the temperature for Pigeon wood as it grows?

Before growing Pigeon wood, it is important to conduct research to ensure that the temperature is suitable. Some growers may consider lowering the plants' thermostats during the growing season to save on HVAC costs. However, it is crucial to understand that temperature can impact the plants' flowering, pest control, and overall quality. Additionally, Pigeon wood may cease growth at a certain temperature point, particularly during the winter when some species enter a dormant state. As the seasons change, the base temperature for Pigeon wood increases, allowing for faster growth. Species naturally found in warm habitats have higher optimum temperatures compared to those thriving in cooler climates. Exposing Pigeon wood seeds to cooler temperatures can lead to reduced uniformity and delays in growth. It may be necessary to lower the temperature during flowering, but not during other stages. Cooler nighttime temperatures also result in reduced water requirements, which should be taken into account when adjusting irrigation.

How frequently do I need to water my Pigeon wood?

Plants that grow outdoors usually rely on rainfall for their water needs. However, if your area doesn't receive enough rainfall, you should water your plants every 2 weeks in the spring and fall. In the summer, you'll need to water more frequently, while in the winter, you can water less often. Young or newly planted Pigeon wood plants require more frequent watering to help them establish and become drought tolerant. When it comes to potted plants, there are two ways to determine watering frequency. The first is to follow a set schedule, such as watering once a week or every other week. However, this may not always be suitable as it doesn't account for unique growing conditions. Another option is to observe the soil moisture. It's best to wait until the top two to four inches of soil have completely dried out before watering again. This method ensures that the plant's water needs are met.

Does the Pigeon wood tree need to stay out of the sun?

Pigeon wood does not have to completely avoid sun exposure, but it's important to ensure the right type of sunlight. They shouldn't receive more than 6 hours of direct sun each day. Direct sun refers to sunlight hitting the plant directly, while indirect light could be reflected off nearby objects or filtered through things like sheer curtains. Therefore, it's crucial to protect Pigeon wood from excessive direct sun.

How do I make sure Pigeon wood stays warm during cold seasons?

To help the plant withstand colder temperatures, stop fertilizing it to prevent new growth and let the existing ones toughen up. To keep the plant warm, you can create structures around it like cages or trellises. Another option is to use heat mats, which provide a consistent and ideal temperature range for the plant's soil.

How much water does my Pigeon wood require?

When watering your Pigeon wood, remember that it doesn't always need a lot of water. If only a few inches of soil have dried since your last watering, giving it about five to ten ounces of water each time is enough for healthy growth. You can also determine the amount of water needed based on soil moisture. Keep track of how many inches of soil have dried between waterings. To ensure your Pigeon wood gets enough moisture, water it until all the dry layers of soil from the previous watering are moistened. If more than half of the soil has dried out, give it more water until you see excess water draining from the pot's holes. If your Pigeon wood is planted in an area that receives sufficient outdoor rainfall, it may not require additional watering. When the plant is young or just establishing, give it 1-2 inches of rain per week. As it grows and establishes, it can rely solely on rainwater. Only in hot weather with no rainfall for 2-3 weeks should you consider giving it a full watering to prevent stress.

How can I keep Pigeon wood safe from being damaged by the sun and heat?

Pigeon wood plants that are not adapted to direct sunlight can easily be harmed by bright sun exposure. To protect them, there are a few options you can consider. Firstly, it is recommended to place the plants in a location that receives indirect light for the majority of the day. If the current location is too sunny, you can move the plants further into the room, away from the window. Alternatively, you can also cover the window with a light curtain or blinds. These methods effectively shield your Pigeon wood plants from both sun scorching and excessive heat.

How do I protect Pigeon wood from getting damaged by high or low temperatures?

In winter, you can shield the Pigeon wood from frost by using cloths, tarps, burlaps, sheets, or plastic buckets. Just make sure to secure them tightly to act as insulators and prevent them from being blown away by the wind. However, be careful not to let the plastic or burlap covers come into direct contact with any part of the fruit or foliage, as this can cause burns from the cold temperatures. When the daytime temperatures start to increase, you can take off the covers.

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