Cunninghamia lanceolata aka Chinese Fir

Taxonomy

Genus Cunninghamia Family Cupressaceae Order Pinales Class Pinopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Cunninghamia lanceolata, also known as Chinese Fir, is a tall conifer belonging to the cypress family, Cupressaceae, and is native to south-central and southeast China. It can reach heights of up to 150 feet (45.7 meters) in mild climates, but typically ranges from 30 to 50 feet (9.1 to 15.2 meters) in North America. The tree has a pyramidal crown and dark gray to dark brown bark. Its foliage consists of green lanceolate-shaped leaves arranged spirally. Male cones form in clusters of 10 to 30 while female cones form in clusters of 2 to 3. Seed cones are small and almost unnoticeable when first pollinated, but mature after seven months and range in size from 1 to 1.8 inches (2.5 to 4.5 cm) in length. Ornamentally, C. lanceolata is commonly planted as a specimen tree in temperate zones. In China, it covers an estimated 9 million hectares and is responsible for around 25 percent of all Chinese commercial timber production. The tree is also used for carbon sequestration, with near natural forest management increasing carbon stocks in soils through litter decomposition in topsoil. Cunninghamia lanceolata prefers acidic clay loam soils and needs protection from the wind. Although it has good green color during the growing season, it tends to "brown out" inside as it matures and gets older.

Common names

Chinese Fir, China Fir, Cunninghamia

How to care for Chinese Fir

Difficulty

Chinese Fir is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Chinese Fir should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Chinese Fir 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 Chinese Fir prefers bright diffused 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 does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Chinese Fir is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Chinese Fir’s native range is E. Asia - China.

More info:
Wikipedia

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