'Ohi'a Care                                 

'Ohi'a grow best in full sun so plan to plant your potted tree in a sunny location within a month

Keep your potted 'ohi'a in the brightest window or take the tree outside to get bright light

Water daily or as needed

While the 'ohi'a is in its pot, there is enough fertilizer for one month (dilute liquid or slow- release fertilizers are fine) 

Pot up into larger pot with well draining potting mix or

Plant in the ground and allow for a large tree in ten years (‘ohi‘a can be pruned)

Give 'ohi'a lots of space and light when planting

Plant 'ohi'a in well drained soil and not too deep (soil level of the pot should be the soil level in the ground)

Clear grass or other plants from the area to be planted and amend area lightly with compost (ie EKO brand)

Water well during establishment and plan for regular water during dry periods

Fertilize lightly with any fertilizer throughout the year (1 cup 8-8-8 for the first year spread out over 3-4 applications, then increase amount as trunk diameter increases)

'Ohi'a have many surface feeder roots so promote growth by watering and fertilizing in an increasing circle out from the trunk

Prevent ants from crawling up your 'o'hia tree (a sprinkle of diatamceous earth at the base or feed the ants a Borax, sugar, water mix)

Rose beetle may chew new leaves, but if the plant is well cared for they grow through it (you can pick them off at night with a flashlight)

‘Ohi‘a tends to flower in spring and early summer, but can give blooms anytime

Here is a very informative pdf about 'ohi'a http://www.agroforestry.net/tti/Metrosideros-ohia.pdf

ten year old 'Maukanani' about 20 ft. tall