Proteaceae / low-P

Macadamia Soil Mix

A special case, and the one mix we deliberately keep lean.

Why Macadamia needs its own blend

Macadamia belongs to the Proteaceae family, which makes its own specialized cluster roots and is highly sensitive to phosphorus. This blend carries no added concentrated phosphorus and no mycorrhizae, runs slightly acid, and drains sharply, matching how macadamia roots actually forage.

What the blend does for the plant

  • Runs Lean on Phosphorus

    No added concentrated phosphorus, matching Proteaceae's sensitivity.

  • No Mycorrhizae by Design

    Macadamia forms its own cluster roots and does not rely on fungal partners.

  • Drains Sharply

    Extra cinder keeps the root zone open on wet ground.

  • Slightly Acid

    Sulfur-adjusted toward the mild acidity macadamia prefers.

What's in the Blend

Volcanic topsoil Body and cation exchange We stock
Black cinder Sharp drainage and aeration We stock
Cured compost Organic matter and biology We stock
Biochar Water and nutrient holding We stock
HVO base blend Broad organic soil feed, lean We stock
Elemental sulfur Holds a mild acidity Hilo sourced
Kelp meal Potassium and trace minerals Hilo sourced
Rock dust / silicon Broad micronutrients Hilo sourced

Planting tips: macadamia

  1. Never add high-phosphorus inputs: No bone meal, no rock phosphate, no high-P bagged products. Macadamia can be injured by excess phosphorus.
  2. Mound on wet ground: Macadamia wants air at the roots. Raise the planting spot on heavy or wet ground.
  3. Mulch heavily: Macadamia feeds in a shallow surface mat. A thick mulch ring out to the drip line protects it.
  4. Go easy on nitrogen early: Push slow. Overfeeding young trees builds weak, leggy growth.
  5. Water evenly while young: Keep moisture steady but never waterlogged through establishment.

Get this blend

  • Request the full blend

    We mix it to order from our topsoil, cinder, compost, and the amendments above, tuned to your site and plant age.

    Request the Avacado Blend 

  • Already have your soil? Get the pack

    The Macadamia Nutrient Pack is the amendments and biology only, in a foil pouch. Add it to your own base. Serves Macadamia.

    Shop the nutrient pack 

Growing something not on the list?

We blend to order from what we stock and what we bring in bulk from Hilo. Tell us the plant and the site, and we will spec a mix.

Request a Custom Mix