Chamaecyparis lawsoniana aka Port Orford Cedar

Taxonomy

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, also known as Port Orford cedar, Lawson cypress, or Ginger Pine, is a species of conifer in the Cupressaceae family. It is native to the United States, specifically Oregon and northwestern California, and can grow up to 147 feet tall in its natural environment. The tree has a thick silvery-brown trunk, with bright green or blue-green leaves that have a scaly texture and a sharp smell. The cones are small and appear on female flowers in early spring, starting off green and maturing to brown. Lawson's Cypress has a pronounced aroma that repels insects and is also very resistant to external stimuli, which is why it was used for building ships and airplanes in the past. Ginger Pine is a relatively rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering, thriving in direct light and well-draining soil. It belongs to the Chamaecyparis genus and is native to Western North America.

Common names

Port Orford Cedar, Lawson's Cypress, False Cypress, Lawson Cypress

How to care for Port Orford Cedar

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Port Orford Cedar is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Port Orford Cedar should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Port Orford Cedar 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.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Port Orford Cedar prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Port Orford Cedar grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Port Orford Cedar’s native range is Western N. America - Oregon to California. Locally naturalized in S. Europe[50].


More info:
Wikipedia