Picea abies aka Common Spruce

Taxonomy

Picea abies, commonly known as the Norway spruce or European spruce, is a species of spruce native to Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe. This dense and bushy dwarf conifer can reach a height of 0.5m in 10 years. Its branchlets hang downwards, and it produces the largest cones among all spruce species, measuring 9–17 cm long. The Norway spruce is closely related to the Siberian spruce and freely hybridizes with it east of the Ural Mountains. It is widely distributed due to its use for wood and is a popular choice as the main Christmas tree in many countries. In fact, it was the first gymnosperm to have its genome sequenced. The Latin specific epithet "abies" means "like Abies, Fir tree." This tough conifer is low-maintenance and commonly planted for landscaping purposes in USDA zones 3-7, as well as for forest restoration and windbreaks. With its fresh green foliage growth in spring and small, dark red cones on the shoot tips, the Norway spruce adds beauty and resilience to any environment.

Common names

Common Spruce, Norway Spruce, Common Pitch Fir, European Spruce

How to care for Common Spruce

Difficulty

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

Water

Common Spruce should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Common Spruce 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

Common Spruce requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Common Spruce will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Common Spruce to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Common Spruce is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Common Spruce’s native range is N. and C. Europe.


More info:
Wikipedia