Agathis dammara, commonly known as the Amboina pine or dammar pine, is a coniferous timber tree native to Sulawesi, the Maluku Islands and the Philippines.
Dammar pine is resistant to disease and is generally unlikely to be affected by illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs little watering, and larger specimens usually do not need pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have bloomed. Dammar pinet is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not require extensive care experience.
How to keep Agathis Dammara.
Light
Dammar pine grows best when it gets the most light during the day, though it can tolerate reduced light and still maintain steady growth. Its native habitats prefer locations with strong sun exposure. However, both too little and too much sunlight can impede its healthy development.
Water
Dammar pine, which originates from Southeast Asia, thrives in moderately moist conditions and prefers consistent humidity, though it can tolerate some dryness. To keep it healthy, water the dammar pine every 2–3 weeks, ensuring the soil stays moist without becoming waterlogged. During dry spells, be diligent in your care to maintain its lush appearance.
Temperature
Dammar pine comes from regions with warm temperatures, ideally ranging from 68 to 100°F (20 to 38℃). Seasonal adjustments are necessary to recreate this warmth, especially in cooler climates.
Fertilizer
Dammar pine requires specific nutrients and does not need heavy fertilization. Fertilizing in spring is the best time for optimal growth. Supplying nutrients enhances its health, increases its resistance to pests and diseases, and helps support its long lifespan.
Pruning
The Dammar pine is a large conifer highly valued for its resin and impressive height. To maintain its health, it is best to prune the tree in the winter when it is dormant. Focus on removing dead or damaged branches and thinning out crowded areas to improve light penetration and airflow. Be careful to avoid heavy pruning, as this can stress the tree. Instead, aim to enhance the Dammar pine's natural shape and resilience.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Agathis
- Family
- Araucariaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-11
- Mature Height
- 60.05 m
- Mature Spread
- 10.06 m to 14.94 m
- Leaf Color
- Green, Blue
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow, Green
- Flower Size
- 1.78 cm to 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Native Area
- Indonesia, Philippines
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Dammar pine the best way?
Your Dammar pine is not particular about how you water it. You can use any common watering tool, such as watering cans, hoses, or cups. Regardless of the tool, water should be applied directly to the soil, making sure to evenly moisten all areas to provide water to the entire root system. Filtered water is preferred over tap water, as tap water may contain harmful particles. Water at room temperature or slightly above is best, as extremely cold or hot water may shock the Dammar pine. Nevertheless, the Dammar pine generally responds well to any water given.
Why should I put fertilizer on my Dammar pine tree?
To promote healthy growth in Dammar pine, it is recommended to fertilize it in the spring. It is important to keep in mind that this plant has a long lifespan and requires support. Additionally, enriching the soil with nutrients can enhance the plant's overall health and increase its resistance to common pests and diseases, which may hinder its growth or shorten its lifespan.
How much sunlight does Dammar pine need to grow?
Tropical ornamental plants that thrive in full sun require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. These plants are well-suited to areas with strong and direct sunlight, as they need this light to flourish. In their natural habitats, they tend to grow in open fields or along forest edges, where they can enjoy abundant sunlight all day long.
What temperature does Dammar pine like the best?
To help your tropical plants thrive, it's best to maintain a temperature range of 75℉ to 90℉ (25-32℃). While different species can tolerate temperatures outside this range, sticking within a few degrees of these limits will ensure optimal growth. However, there are extreme temperature limits to be aware of. Anything below 50℉ (10℃) or above 95℉ (35℃) can hinder growth and cause issues with the leaves and stems. Low temperatures are particularly damaging, as even a light frost can lead to the death of your tropical plants. In fact, cellular death can occur rapidly, with some species dying within 12 to 24 hours.
What should I do if I give my Dammar pine plant too much water or too little water?
Outdoor plants, especially newly planted ones or seedlings, are susceptible to lack of watering. It is important to consistently water them for a few months until they establish their roots. Once established, Dammar pine trees can mostly rely on rainwater. However, if you have a Dammar pine in a pot, be careful not to overwater it. If you accidentally overwater it, stop watering immediately to minimize the damage. Take the plant out of its pot to check for root rot. If there is no root rot, you can put it back in the pot. But if there is root rot, trim the affected roots and use a fungicide to prevent further damage. Repot the Dammar pine in well-draining soil. On the other hand, if the Dammar pine is underwatered, simply increase the frequency of watering. The plant's leaves will droop and dry out when underwatered, but they will regain their fullness once properly watered. Adjust your watering schedule promptly when you notice underwatering.
When should I fertilize my Dammar pine tree?
When it comes to nutrients, the growing medium may not always provide enough for healthy growth. But Dammar pine is unique among your garden plants in that it doesn't require a lot of additional nutrients. If you want to fertilize it, the best time to do so is in the spring, before new growth starts.
What happens if Dammar pine doesn't get enough sunlight?
Tropical ornamental plants that need full sun may face issues if they don't receive enough sunlight. They might become leggy and weak, and their leaves could turn yellow or pale. Furthermore, they may stop producing flowers. Ultimately, if these plants continue to lack the required amount of direct sunlight, there is a possibility that they may die.
Does Dammar pine need different temperatures in each phase of growth?
Dammar pine is not affected by temperature changes when transitioning between growing phases. However, it is important to maintain consistency in temperature. Fluctuating temperatures can hinder its growth, regardless of the phase it is currently in. Therefore, it is advisable to keep Dammar pine in a controlled environment. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃), with importance placed on staying above the lower limit. While temperatures above 90℉ (32℃) are not ideal, the plant, being tropical, can tolerate them reasonably well. On the other hand, exposing Dammar pine to temperatures below 50℉ (10℃), especially 40℉ (5℃), will cause direct damage to this heat-loving plant species.
How frequently should I water my Dammar pine tree?
To properly care for outdoor plants, consider their watering needs based on the weather. Most plants can rely on natural rainfall, but if your area doesn't have enough rain, you should water them every 2 weeks in the spring and fall. During the summer, you'll need to water them more frequently. In the winter, when plants grow slower and require less water, reduce watering. You may not need to water them at all in the winter. If you have a young or newly planted Dammar pine, you should water it more often to help it establish and grow. For potted Dammar pines, there are two ways to determine watering frequency. One is to follow a set schedule, either weekly or every other week. However, this may not account for the specific conditions of your pine's environment. Another approach is to monitor soil moisture and water when the top two to four inches of soil have dried out completely.
When is it best to not use fertilizer for my Dammar pine?
While some plants benefit from regular fertilization, Dammar pine is not one of them. It does not require excessive nutrients and can actually suffer if given too much fertilizer. To avoid any issues, it's best to only apply fertilizer in the spring and refrain from doing so in the summer, fall, and winter. Additionally, during these seasons, it's advised not to add any fertilizer or organic matter to the soil.
What will happen if Dammar pine gets too much sunlight?
Tropical ornamental plants that thrive in full sun require ample direct sunlight, but excessive exposure to intense sunlight can harm them. Prolonged periods of direct sunlight can cause sunburned leaves or the development of unsightly brown spots. Additionally, if the soil dries out too rapidly in full sun, these plants may become dehydrated.
Does Dammar pine require varying temperatures for different seasons?
Dammar pine is a plant that doesn't require different temperatures for different seasons. The key to caring for it during different times of the year is to maintain the temperature within its optimal range. To ensure this, it is recommended to keep the plant indoors, as this allows you to control the temperature regardless of outdoor climate conditions. In addition to temperature, light is also crucial for tropical species such as the Dammar pine. These plants prefer a partial side level of sun exposure, meaning they should receive dappled or filtered light. When growing these plants indoors, it is best to provide them with bright but indirect light. Excessive direct sunlight can have negative effects on the plant's leaves and hinder its growth potential.