Acmena Smithii fact sheet  (Lilly Pilly) from David’s Exotic Plants

Watering

Acmena should be watered thoroughly throughout the growing season and in the rest period (winter) they should only be watered when the soil is almost dust dry. When growing begins in the Spring they should be given phostrogen feed once a week, to encourage new growth. 

Over-wintering in the UK

They tend to be in fruit from around September until early winter. It is important that they are well watered especially when they’re in fruit. Simply ensure the tree has plenty of light, ventilation and food, and is kept well watered.

Acmena can be kept on a south-facing window indoors or in a conservatory or greenhouse not below 5°C. 

Summer months

Acmena require as much sunlight and ventilation as possible. Feed once a week with a phostrogen feed to help encourage flowers, their flowers should start to bud through in July/August. 

Pests

Scale insect are the main culprits and the best solution is to wash your tree with soapy water every few days to cut down the insect numbers, or simply give it a good hose down.

Potting

Acmena plants require loam-based compost with either grit or bark chippings to aid drainage. The optimum pH is 6.5. They should be re-potted once a year if/when the plant becomes pot-bound.