Abies alba aka Common Silver Fir
Taxonomy
Abies alba, also known as the European silver fir or silver fir, is a rare houseplant that is native to the mountains of Europe, from the Pyrenees north to Normandy, east to the Alps and the Carpathians, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and south to Italy, Bulgaria, Albania and northern Greece. It is also commonly grown on Christmas tree plantations in the North East region of North America spanning New England in the US to the Maritime provinces of Canada. This plant requires regular watering and does best in long-lasting, direct light, positioned less than 1 foot from a window. Silver Fir prefers soil that is good at retaining moisture and does not typically require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. As a member of the Abies genus, it adds a touch of European elegance to any indoor space.
Common names
Common Silver Fir, Silver Fir, European Silver FirHow to care for Common Silver Fir
Difficulty
Caring for Common Silver Fir is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Common Silver Fir should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Common Silver Fir is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Silver Fir is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Silver Fir with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Common Silver Fir with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Common Silver Fir to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Fertilizer
The Common Silver Fir is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.
Region of origin
Common Silver Fir’s native range is C. and S. Europe.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Abies Genus
Abies sibirica Siberian Fir
Abies kawakamii Formosan Fir
Abies amabilis Pacific Silver Fir
Abies squamata Flaky Fir
Abies balsamea American Silver Fir
Abies concolor Colorado Fir
Abies religiosa Sacred Fir
Abies pindrow Pindrow Fir
Abies nebrodensis Sicilian Fir
