Syzygium smithii aka Lilly Pilly

Taxonomy

Syzygium smithii, commonly known as Lilly-Pilly, is an evergreen tree native to Australia. It can be used as a shrub or a hedgerow, and features rough, woody bark; cream and green waxy leaves; and flushes of pink new growth. It bears white-to-maroon colored edible berries and flowers, and grows up to 3-5m in the garden when unpruned. While it's gaining popularity as an ornamental houseplant, its edibles fruits can be used to make jam, jelly, and sauces. Lilly-Pilly plants thrive best in long-lasting, direct light and need regular watering. When repotted during its doubling in size, it need no added fertilisers to thrive. Native birds, chooks, and small wildlife love this plant for its fluffy flowers, fruits, and their fallen fruits.

Common names

Lilly Pilly, Monkey Apple, Eugenio

How to care for Lilly Pilly

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Lilly Pilly, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Lilly Pilly should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Lilly Pilly loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Lilly Pilly prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Lilly Pilly is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia