Picea breweriana aka Brewer Spruce

Taxonomy

Picea breweriana, also known as Brewer spruce, Brewer's weeping spruce, or weeping spruce, is a rare species of spruce found in western North America. It can grow up to 54 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 1.5 meters. The bark is thin and scaly, and purple-gray in color. The crown is distinct, with level branches and vertically pendulous branchlets forming a 'curtain' of foliage. The leaves are needle-like, 15–35 mm long, flattened in cross-section, glossy dark green above, and with two bands of white stomata below. The shoots are orange-brown and rough with pulvini. The specific epithet breweriana is in honor of botanist William Henry Brewer. While Brewer spruce is a rare tree species, it is also a popular houseplant that is easy to grow. It requires regular watering and long-lasting, direct light. It should be less than one foot from a window and planted in well-draining soil. Repotting should occur each time the plant doubles in size, and added fertilizers are usually unnecessary. Brewer spruce belongs to the Picea genus and is native to Northern California and Southern Oregon.

Common names

Brewer Spruce, Siskiyou Spruce, Weeping Spruce

How to care for Brewer Spruce

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

Brewer 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

Brewer 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 Brewer Spruce will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

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 Brewer 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

Brewer Spruce’s native range is South-western N. America - California to Oregon.


More info:
Wikipedia