Macademia (Macadamia integrifolia)

Also known as: Bush Nut, Nut Oak, Bauple Nut

The Macadamia tree (Macadamia integrifolia) is an evergreen native to Australia, valued for its nuts. These nuts have been a significant food for Aboriginal Australians for millennia. Introduced to Hawaii in 1837, macadamia nuts have extremely tough shells that require strong industrial husking equipment, as regular nutcrackers are ineffective.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Macademia

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

9 m to 15 m

Spread

6 m to 12 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

White Yellow Pink Green

Images of Macademia

Quickly Identify Macademia

Whorled evergreen foliage provides ample shade, enhancing ornamental value.

Fragrant flowers in drooping racemes, creamy-white with cascading effect.

Globular fruit with creamy-white nut, encased in hard, brown shell.

Evergreen leaves, oblong-lanceolate to oblong-ovate, whorled, wavy margins.

Leaf length 8-10 inches (7-15 cm), narrow-elliptical to oblong shape, toothed when young.

Scientific Classification of Macademia

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Proteas, lotuses, planes, and allies

Family

Protea

Genus

bauple nut

Species

Macademia

Planting and Growing of Macademia

Care Difficulty

Hard

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-12 hours

Ideal Temperature

70-85℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

5-6.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Macademia?

For Macadamia integrifolia, you should water approximately 500 ml per session. Ensure that the soil is thoroughly moistened but not waterlogged. The goal is to hydrate the root zone to a depth of 6 to 8 inches without creating a wet and swampy environment.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Macademia? ›

What should I do if my Macademia is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Macademia? ›

How to save an overwatered Macademia? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Macademia?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 8 to 10 hours

Full sun allows Macadamia integrifolia to photosynthesize at full capacity, supporting optimal growth and nut yield. Full sun ensures the plant can store enough energy for vital growth processes, improving its resilience to environmental stresses.

How much sunlight does Macadamia integrifolia need? ›

How can I ensure Macadamia integrifolia gets ideal sunlight? ›

What benefits can Macadamia integrifolia gain from ideal sunlight exposure? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Macademia?

Ideal Temperature: 70 ~ 85℉

Macadamia integrifolia thrives best in a warm climate with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F. This range is ideal for ensuring healthy growth and optimum production as it closely mimics its native environment in subtropical regions. Consistent temperatures within this range promote vigorous growth, flowering, and nut development.

What Soil is Best for Macademia?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Sandy soil

Soil PH: 5 ~ 6.5

Macadamia integrifolia thrives best in well-drained soils. Ensuring good drainage prevents root rot and allows the plant to absorb nutrients effectively, promoting robust growth and a healthy yield. Rich, fertile soils provide the essential nutrients required for Macadamia integrifolia to flourish. A fertile soil supports stronger root systems and consistent nut production, which is vital for its commercial success. While drainage is crucial, maintaining some soil moisture is equally important. This balance supports the macadamia tree's long-term health by reducing drought stress, especially in its critical fruiting stages.

How to Fertilize Macademia?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Macadamia integrifolia benefits from a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient ratio of 10-10-10. During the growing season, apply approximately 200 grams of this fertilizer per mature tree every three months. Make sure to distribute the fertilizer evenly under the canopy, avoiding contact with the trunk to prevent damage.

How to Prune Macademia?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Begin by removing any dead or damaged branches to maintain plant health. Also, thin out crowded areas to allow more light and air to pass through the canopy, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases. Focus on creating an open-center shape by removing branches that grow inward. This structure encourages good air circulation and sunlight penetration, critical for the health and productivity of Macadamia integrifolia. After pruning, water the tree appropriately and apply a balanced fertilizer to support the growth of new branches. This post-pruning care is essential to allow the tree to recover quickly. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Macademia plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Summer

Harvest mature seeds from a healthy Macadamia integrifolia plant. Ensure they are free from any signs of disease or pests. The seeds should be of a decent size and fully developed, which indicates better germination potential.

Before planting, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. This helps to soften the seed coat and encourages quicker germination. Ensure the water is at room temperature to avoid stressing the seeds.

For grafting, select a healthy scion and a compatible rootstock. Make clean cuts on both and securely attach them using grafting tape. This should be done carefully to ensure proper contact, optimizing the chances for successful bonding and growth.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Macademia plant?

Repotting frequency: every 2-3 years

Macadamia integrifolia should be repotted when you notice roots circling the pot or growing out of the drainage holes. Yellowing leaves and restricted growth are also signs that it's time to move your plant to a larger pot. Ideally, repot in early spring or autumn to minimize transplant shock.

Select a pot that is at least 2 inches wider in diameter than the current pot. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot. A slightly larger pot gives roots more room to expand, supporting healthy growth.

Use a well-draining potting mix ideally blended with some sand and perlite. This mix prevents water accumulation, providing the roots with necessary aeration while retaining enough moisture for the plant's needs. The right soil ensures balanced drainage and nutrient retention.

Toxicity of Macademia

Is Macademia toxic to cat?

Macadamia is moderately toxic to cats and can pose a risk if accidentally ingested. Given that the entire plant is poisonous, it is essential to keep all parts of the macadamia out of reach of felines. Cats that come into contact with macadamia may suffer from various forms of distress or illness, underscoring the importance of restricting their access to the plant. In the event of ingestion, pet owners should promptly take their cat to a veterinary clinic for immediate assistance. Ensuring cats are protected from potential dangers such as macadamia is vital for their health and safety.

Is Macademia toxic to dog?

Despite being cherished by numerous individuals, macadamia nuts pose a mild toxicity risk to canines. The primary concern lies with the nuts themselves, as no adverse reactions are associated with other components of the plant. Canines that consume these nuts typically exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and muscle weakness, particularly in their hind legs. Fortunately, cases of macadamia nut poisoning tend to be relatively mild and generally resolve within a day or two.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

More About Toxic Techniques→