Picea mariana aka Black Spruce

Taxonomy

Picea mariana, commonly known as the Black Spruce, is a North American species of spruce tree in the pine family and is widespread across Canada, found in all 10 provinces and all 3 territories. It is the official tree of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and is that province's most numerous tree. The Latin specific epithet mariana means "of the Virgin Mary". Black Spruce can be identified by its brown woody trunk and branches and its dark green needles, and is a great choice for bonsai gardening. It likes soil that is well-draining, direct light and regular watering, and doesn't need added fertilizers if it is repotted each time it doubles in size. Overall, Black Spruce is a rare houseplant that is easy to grow and care for!

Common names

Black Spruce, Bog Spruce, Shortleaf Black Spruce

How to care for Black Spruce

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

Black 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

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

Dormancy

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

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Black Spruce is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Black Spruce’s native range is Northern N. America - Alaska to Newfoundland and south to British Columbia and W. Virginia..


More info:
Wikipedia