| Description: |
A genus of cone-bearing trees when they reach full size at 40-60' (13-20cm) tall. Enjoy now the upright trunk with each set of branches all coming off at the same height. The leaves are reduced to small scales all around the branches. These are quite spiny in some species. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Growing Ease: |
Requires a little extra care |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the South/East/West |
| Soil Type: |
Use a GOOD rich potting soil (a soil that retains water yet drains well), such as an African violet mix. If you want to mix your own take:
2 parts garden soil, 2 parts humus (leaf mold), 1 part coarse sand or perlite, 1 part rinsed aquarium charcoal chips and a little fine grade fir bark..
Always use a pot with a hole.
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| Watering: |
Keep the soil barely moist and if you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed every two weeks with a water soluble, lime free fertilizer. Do not fertilize in the winter. An alternative is a granular slow release fertilizer if applied annually in the early spring. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to spider mites, scale and thrips. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Tip cuttings and seeds
in the spring.
It is best to propagate any type of cuttings or seeds in a mixture of moist peat and perlite. Cover the pot and plant with a plastic bag secured by a rubber band to prevent moisture from escaping. Place in indirect sunlight or under a fluorescent light. Repot in its regular mix after it has been growing for a while.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Mist frequently during the winter with warm water (lime free to avoid leaf staining) and turn occasionally to keep the plant symmetrical. Over watering must be avoided. If possible put outside for the summer in bright light.
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| Bonsai: |
Species of this Genus are a a candidate to bonsai. |