Metrosideros excelsa is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. endemic to new zealand, it is an evergreen tree with a spreading canopy and crimson flowers. it is commonly known as the New Zealand red pine, pohutukawa, or iron tree.
Related plant:
Metrosideros
About soil condition, The Metrosideros Excelsa, or Pohutukawa tree, is an evergreen that is endemic to New Zealand. It is commonly found along the coasts, and requires well-drained, acidic soil to thrive. Pohutukawa are salt-tolerant and can grow in poor soil, as long as it is well-drained. They are also drought-tolerant, but will not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
Similar to other plants, the sun is essential to the growth of the Metrosideros excelsa. The sun provides the energy needed for the plant to create its own food. The leaves of the Metrosideros excelsa are specially adapted to absorb sunlight. The more sun the plant gets, the more energy it has to grow.
The temperature condition of the Metrosideros excelsa is tropical. The tree is native to the Hawaiian Islands and other Pacific islands. It is a member of the family Myrtaceae. The tree grows to a height of 30 meters (100 feet). The leaves are oblong, and the flowers are white. The fruit is a red, fleshy drupe.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant would be 50%, though it can survive in conditions as low as 35%. It grows best in moist, well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
For the fertilizer, this kind of plant prefers something that is high in phosphorus. This can be in the form of bone meal or even just a regular fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. As for the roots, they need to be kept moist but not soggy. If the roots start to rot, then the plant will not be able to survive.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your Metrosideros excelsa healthy and looking its best. This native New Zealand tree can grow to over 30 metres tall, with a spread of up to 20 metres, so pruning is often necessary to keep it under control. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring, before the tree starts to produce new growth. To prune Metrosideros excelsa, you will need a sharp pair of pruning shears. Start by removing any dead or diseased branches. Then, cut back any branches that are rubbing against each other or growing in an undesirable direction. Finally, trim back any branches that are longer than the others, to create a more balanced shape.
Propagation is by seed, which is easily collected from the fruits, or by rooting semi-ripe cuttings. The fruits are quite large, up to 5 cm long, and contain many small seeds. The seeds need to be scarified before planting, and the cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth.
Usually, the plant growth rate in their first year is between 30 and 50 cm. However, they may grow up to 2 m in their first year if they are in an area with very good conditions for growth. The documents show that the average height of a metrosideros excelsa at 20 years is about 15 m, with a range from 5 m to 30 m.
Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may turn yellow and fall off, and the plant may not produce any new growth. Yellowing leaves can be a sign of too much water or too little light. If the plant is not receiving enough light, it will not produce new growth.
Source:
Metrosideros excelsa (Myrtaceae), pohutukawa
Metrosideros excelsa MYRTACEAE - APSA - ANU
Metrosideros floribunda [Metrosideros excelsa], 1869 | HOLLIS for
