Araliaceae
Meryta (Puka) Care Guide
Meryta
As a genus, Meryta species thrive in bright light with some direct sun, humus-rich free-draining soil, and regular watering that allows the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings. They grow fast, tolerate coastal conditions, but are sensitive to frost and to waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
5° - 30°C
50% - 70%
Categories
What is Puka?
Puka (Meryta) is a medium-care plant from the Araliaceae family. Meryta is a genus of about 28 species of evergreen trees and shrubs in the Araliaceae family, native to subtropical and tropical islands of the Pacific Ocean, with the greatest diversity in New Caledonia and further species from New Zealand (M. sinclairii, the "puka"), Norfolk Island, and the Marque...
Puka grows up to 8.0m, spread of 600cm, watering every 7 days, 5°C – 30°C, 50–70% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Puka is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Puka?
TLDR: Puka needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 5-30°C with 50-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Puka?
Water regularly, allowing the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid letting the pot sit in water, as Meryta species are prone to root rot in soggy soil.
How Much Light Does Puka Need?
Provide bright light with some direct sun. Most Meryta species tolerate full sun to partial shade outdoors in mild climates, and appreciate a bright spot near a window when grown indoors.
What Is the Best Soil for Puka?
Use a humus-rich, well-draining potting mix or garden soil. Chalk, clay, loam, and sandy soils are all tolerated as long as drainage is good.
What Pot Should You Use for Puka?
A wide, sturdy pot with generous drainage holes; unglazed terracotta helps excess moisture evaporate and reduces the risk of root rot.
Care Schedule
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Puka and Where Does It Come From?
Meryta is a genus of about 28 species of evergreen trees and shrubs in the Araliaceae family, native to subtropical and tropical islands of the Pacific Ocean, with the greatest diversity in New Caledonia and further species from New Zealand (M. sinclairii, the "puka"), Norfolk Island, and the Marquesas. This is a genus-level care profile rather than a single species, since most Meryta share similar growth habits and care needs. They are prized for their large, glossy, simple leaves that give a bold, tropical look to gardens and interiors, are dioecious (separate male and female plants), fast-growing, and tolerant of coastal wind and salt spray, but are frost-tender and require protection in cooler climates.
How to Propagate Puka?
Seed propagation
Seed viability drops quickly after harvest, so sow as fresh as possible; germination can be slow and uneven.
- 1 Collect fresh, ripe seed from a fruiting female tree (Meryta species are dioecious, so a male and female plant are needed for viable seed)
- 2 Sow seed shallowly in a free-draining seed mix
- 3 Keep warm and consistently moist until germination
- 4 Transplant seedlings once they have several true leaves
Materials needed:
Semi-hardwood cutting
Because leaves are large, trim large leaves in half to reduce water loss while roots establish.
- 1 Take a semi-hardwood cutting with 2-3 leaves from a healthy, non-flowering shoot
- 2 Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone
- 3 Insert into a free-draining propagation mix
- 4 Keep humid and warm out of direct sun until roots form
Materials needed:
How Big Does Puka Grow?
TLDR: Puka can reach up to 8.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
8.0m
Spread
6.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Puka?
TLDR: Puka is susceptible to 4 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Canker
Canker is a disease caused by various fungi and bacteria that create necrotic, sunken areas on bark of branches, stems, and trunks. Pathogens enter through wounds and natural openings, especially when plants are stressed. Canker can gradually weaken or kill branches by disrupting water and nutrient flow.
Cold Damage
Cold damage, also known as frost injury, occurs when plants are exposed to freezing or near-freezing temperatures. This environmental stress can cause cellular damage as ice crystals form within plant tissues, rupturing cells and disrupting normal plant functions. Chilling injury can also occur in sensitive species at temperatures between 32-55°F (0-10°C), even without actual freezing.
Overwatering
Overwatering occurs when plants receive too much water, depriving roots of oxygen and causing root rot. This environmental stress is one of the most common causes of houseplant death, as waterlogged soil prevents roots from breathing and functioning properly.
Meaning & Symbolism
Not strongly documented in cultural symbolism at the genus level; puka (M. sinclairii) is valued in New Zealand gardens as a striking, architectural native tree symbolizing resilience to coastal conditions.
Fun Facts
Meryta trees are dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female.
Some Meryta leaves can grow to be among the largest simple leaves of any tree in their native range.
New Caledonia is home to the greatest diversity of Meryta species, with 11 endemic species.
Puka (M. sinclairii) naturally grows on small offshore islands north of New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions
Is Meryta the same as puka?
Is Meryta toxic to pets?
How often should I water Meryta?
Can Meryta survive frost?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
| Wild Lettuce | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
