Juniperus formosana aka Formosan Juniper

Taxonomy

Juniperus formosana, also known as the Formosan juniper, is a slow-growing evergreen tree or shrub that can reach heights of up to 15 meters (49 feet). It belongs to the conifer family Cupressaceae and is native to China, spanning from Tibet in the west to Zhejiang in the east, as well as Taiwan. This narrow upright tree features short weeping branches and grey-green foliage. When mature, it develops peeling bark, adding to its unique appearance.

Common names

Formosan Juniper, Prickly Cypress, Formosa Juniper

How to care for Formosan Juniper

Difficulty

Formosan Juniper presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Formosan Juniper should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Formosan Juniper 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

Formosan Juniper thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Formosa Juniper.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Formosan Juniper to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

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.

Humidity

The Formosan Juniper does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Formosan Juniper 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

Formosan Juniper’s native range is the Northern Hemisphere.


More info:
Wikipedia