Lilly Pilly Watering Guide
How much and how often to water lilly pilly for healthy growth — establishment schedule, ongoing care, heatwave tips, and water restriction advice for Australian gardens.
Quick take
- • Establishment: Daily initially, then every 2–3 days
- • Ongoing: 1–2 times per week
- • AU scene: During heatwaves, prioritise deep watering early and check soil moisture before topping up
- • Deep watering is better than frequent light watering
- • Check local water restrictions
Quick Answer: Establish Consistently, Then Adjust
For new lilly pilly, water daily for the first 1–2 weeks, then every 2–3 days for 6–10 weeks to establish. After establishment, water 1–2 times per week in dry periods. Increase frequency during heatwaves and decrease during rainy periods. Always check soil moisture before watering.
What to do: Water deeply at the base to saturate the root zone. Mulch to retain moisture. Monitor soil moisture 5–10cm down rather than relying on surface appearance.
Establishment Phase (First 8–12 Weeks)
Proper establishment watering is critical for long-term lilly pilly health. The first 8–12 weeks are when roots develop and establish in the surrounding soil.
- Week 1–2: Water daily to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Week 3–10: Reduce to every 2–3 days, allowing slight drying between waterings.
- Volume: 10–20L per plant per watering, depending on size.
- Timing: Early morning is best to reduce evaporation.
Ongoing Care (After Establishment)
Once established, lilly pilly has moderate drought tolerance but performs best with regular watering during dry periods.
- Dry weather: 1–2 times per week, deep watering.
- Rainy periods: Reduce or skip watering if soil remains moist.
- Volume: 20–40L for established plants, depending on size.
Care Specifications
Quick reference for the essential care requirements of lilly pilly.
Establishment
Daily → Every 2–3 days
First 8–12 weeks
Ongoing
1–2 times/week
More in hot weather
Heatwaves
Increase frequency
Water early morning
Test depth
5–10cm down
Check soil moisture
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common lilly pilly questions
During establishment (first 8–12 weeks), water daily for 1–2 weeks, then every 2–3 days. After establishment, water 1–2 times per week in dry periods. Increase during heatwaves.