Celastraceae
Maiten: Medicinal Uses & Care Tips
Maytenus boaria
Requires full sun or partial shade exposure and moderate watering once established. It is resistant to light frosts and prefers well-drained soils.
Every 10 days
Bright indirect
-5° - 35°C
30% - 70%
Categories
What is Maiten?
Maiten (Maytenus boaria) is a medium-care plant from the Celastraceae family. Maytenus boaria, commonly known as the Maiten, is an elegant evergreen tree native to Chile and Argentina. It is characterized by its pendulous branches, similar to those of a weeping willow, and its small, serrated, bright green leaves. It is highly valued in landscaping for its light shade and res...
Maiten grows up to 15.0m, spread of 800cm, watering every 10 days, -5°C – 35°C, 30–70% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Maiten is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Maiten?
TLDR: Maiten needs Bright indirect, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between -5-35°C with 30-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Maiten?
Water deeply and regularly during the first two years; once mature, it tolerates short periods of drought.
How Much Light Does Maiten Need?
Prefers direct sunlight to develop a dense canopy, although it tolerates partial shade in hot climates.
What Is the Best Soil for Maiten?
Adapts to poor soils but grows best in deep, fertile soils with excellent drainage.
What Pot Should You Use for Maiten?
Not recommended for long-term container growth due to its expansive root system; best planted directly in the ground.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 180 days
What Is Maiten and Where Does It Come From?
Maytenus boaria, commonly known as the Maiten, is an elegant evergreen tree native to Chile and Argentina. It is characterized by its pendulous branches, similar to those of a weeping willow, and its small, serrated, bright green leaves. It is highly valued in landscaping for its light shade and resilience, being able to adapt to various soil types as long as they have good drainage.
How to Propagate Maiten?
Seed propagation
- Cold stratification can help achieve uniform germination.
- Avoid waterlogging the substrate.
- 1 Collection
Collect mature seeds surrounded by a red aril in late summer or fall.
- 2 Cleaning
Remove the fleshy aril by washing the seeds with water and a bit of mild detergent to remove germination inhibitors.
- 3 Sowing
Sow in a sandy substrate and maintain constant moisture in a sheltered location.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Maiten Grow?
TLDR: Maiten can reach up to 15.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
15.0m
Spread
8.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Treatment of skin conditions
- Febrifuge (fever reducer)
- Relief from insect bites
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
In Mapuche culture, it is considered a sacred tree associated with peace and benevolence.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
