Juniperus squamata aka Flaky Juniper

Taxonomy

Juniperus squamata, also known as the flaky juniper or Himalayan juniper, is a coniferous shrub native to the Himalayas and China. This evergreen plant has a strong and open habit, featuring eye-catching silvery-green needle-like foliage and orange bark. It is often used as a stand-alone specimen in larger gardens and is even regarded as the provincial tree of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Additionally, the Blue Star Juniper, a relatively rare houseplant, is a variety of Juniperus squamata that thrives with regular watering and long-lasting, direct light. This low-maintenance plant can be placed less than 1 foot away from a window for optimal growth.

Common names

Flaky Juniper, Himalayan Juniper, Nepalese Juniper

How to care for Flaky Juniper

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Flaky Juniper is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

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

Soil

Flaky 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

Flaky 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 Nepalese Juniper.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Flaky Juniper. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Flaky Juniper is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Flaky Juniper’s native range is the Northern Hemisphere.


More info:
Wikipedia