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How to Grow Naio

iNaturalist

Naio

Myoporum sandwicense

shrub

Naio is a native Hawaiian shrub known for its dense, attractive foliage and small white to pale pink flowers. It is drought-tolerant and salt-resistant, making it excellent for coastal and arid landscapes. The plant produces small, fleshy fruits and has been traditionally used by Hawaiians for food, wood, and medicinal purposes.

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Example Naio timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Naio

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Naio

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Naio dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade
💧
Water: Very drought-tolerant once established; water moderately during growing season, reduce in winter; prefers dry conditions
📏
Spacing: 36 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 2-3 years to mature plant
🌱
Planting depth: Same depth as root ball; plant at soil surface level

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or rocky soil; tolerates poor soil
pH: 6.5-7.5
Amendments:
Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Minimal fertilizer needed

Growing Zones

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Thrives in USDA zones 10-11; requires warm, frost-free climates

10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

4-6 weeks

Tiny seedlings with soft, fine leaves emerging from soil or germination medium

Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged; provide bright indirect light; maintain warm temperatures (70-80°F)

2

Juvenile

6-12 months

Young plant establishing root system with multiple stems forming; leaves small and densely packed

Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer; allow soil to dry between waterings; stake if needed for support

3

Vegetative Growth

6-18 months

Plant develops fuller canopy and thicker stems; rapid height and width gain; no flowers yet

Minimal fertilizer needed; prune lightly to encourage bushiness; reduce watering frequency as drought tolerance increases

4

Flowering

Spring to early summer (2-4 months)

Small white to pale pink flowers appear along stems; flowers are modest but numerous

Continue minimal watering; do not over-fertilize as it reduces flowering; flowers attract pollinators

5

Fruiting & Maturity

Ongoing after year 2-3

Small fleshy fruits develop where flowers were; plant reaches full size and becomes self-sustaining

Established plants need only occasional water; prune to maintain shape; fruits are edible and attract birds

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Ilima Naupaka Ohia lehua Hawaiian sandalwood Ulei Psilotum Drought-tolerant native shrubs

Avoid planting near:

Water-loving plants Plants requiring frequent irrigation Humid-preference species

Common Pests

  • Inspect regularly; spray with neem oil or horticultural soap if infested; remove heavily infested branches

  • Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; ensure good air circulation

  • Ensure excellent drainage; do not overwater; remove affected plant material; improve soil aeration

Uses

🍳

Traditional Hawaiian food

Culinary

The fruits of Naio are edible and were traditionally eaten fresh by native Hawaiians. The tender fruits have a slightly sweet flavor and were also used in traditional Hawaiian cuisine. [source]

💊

Medicinal remedy

Medicinal

Traditional Hawaiian medicine used Naio leaves and bark to treat various ailments including skin conditions and intestinal issues. The plant contains compounds with antimicrobial properties. [source]

🏠

Traditional tool wood

Household

Naio wood is extremely hard and durable, historically used by Hawaiians to craft tools, weapons, and household items. It was valued for its strength and longevity. [source]

🦋

Native habitat plant

Wildlife

Naio provides food and shelter for native Hawaiian birds and insects. Its fruits attract native frugivorous birds, supporting local ecosystem restoration efforts. [source]

🏠

Drought-tolerant landscaping

Household

Excellent for xeriscaping and coastal landscapes due to exceptional drought and salt tolerance. Reduces irrigation needs while providing aesthetic value in Hawaiian and Mediterranean-style gardens. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest fruits when fully ripe and fleshy (late summer to fall); pick by hand when fruits yield slightly to pressure. Leaves can be harvested year-round for medicinal use. Wood is traditionally harvested only from fallen or mature trees for cultural tools.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Naio is endemic to Hawaii and is a culturally significant plant in Hawaiian heritage, with traditional uses dating back centuries.
  • 🌱 The wood of Naio is so dense and hard that it doesn't float in water despite being wood, making it unique among Hawaiian tree species.
  • 🌱 Naio was nearly lost due to habitat loss but is now being actively restored as part of Hawaiian native plant conservation efforts.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Germination Partial Shade
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