Chaenomeles japonica aka Japanese Quince
Taxonomy
Chaenomeles japonica, also known as the Japanese quince or Maule's quince, is a deciduous shrub that is native to Japan and South Korea. This thorny shrub is commonly cultivated and can grow up to 3 feet tall and spread up to 6 feet wide. Its colorful spring flowers are often showy and come in shades of red, white, pink, or multicolored. The five-petaled, orange-scarlet flowers bloom before the leaves unfold, and they are followed by hard, greenish-yellow fruits that ripen in early autumn. The quinces are edible but are usually considered too bitter to be eaten directly from the shrub. They are often used to make preserves and jellies. The broad-oval, green leaves are coarsely-toothed and do not have any appreciable fall color. As a houseplant, Japanese Flowering Quince is relatively rare but easy to grow. It needs regular watering and does best in long-lasting, direct light less than 1 foot from a window. The plant prefers well-draining soil and doesn't need added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.
Common names
Japanese Quince, Flowering Quince, Japanese Flowering QuinceHow to care for Japanese Quince
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Japanese Quince, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Japanese Quince should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Japanese Quince loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Japanese Quince plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
Fertilizer
The Japanese Quince should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Japanese Quince’s native range is E. Asia - Japan.
More info:
Wikipedia
