Liquidambar styraciflua aka Sweetgum
Taxonomy
Liquidambar styraciflua, commonly known as American sweetgum, is a deciduous tree native to warm temperate areas of eastern North America and tropical montane regions of Mexico and Central America. It is also known as American storax, hazel pine, bilsted, redgum, satin-walnut, star-leaved gum, and alligatorwood. This tree is highly valued in the southeastern United States for its commercial and ornamental use. The leaves of the Liquidambar turn splendid shades of yellow, burgundy purple, various shades of orange, and many different shades of red in the autumn, giving it an attractive appearance. Its leaves are similar to those of maple leaves, and it produces hard, spiked fruits. Liquidambar is currently classified in the plant family Altingiaceae, but was formerly considered a member of the Hamamelidaceae. It is a popular bonsai tree, and American Liquidambar has been cultivated over the years to produce different varieties that have specific leaf colors in the autumn. Even in warm climates, Liquidambar will produce reliable fall colors. This valuable tree is found in wet river bottoms, in swamps that frequently flood, and on drier uplands throughout the southeastern United States. It may grow 80 to 120 feet tall with a diameter of 4 feet or more and has a shallow root system, making it best to be planted in spring.
Common names
Sweetgum, Alligator Wood, Satin Walnut, American Sweet GumHow to care for Sweetgum
Difficulty
Caring for Sweetgum is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Sweetgum should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Sweetgum 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
Sweetgum requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Alligator Wood is always in the right place to thrive.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Fertilizer
Repotting the Sweetgum should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Sweetgum’s native range is Eastern N. America - Connecticut to Florida, west to Texas and Illinois.
More info:
Wikipedia
