Picea orientalis aka Caucasian Spruce
Taxonomy
Picea orientalis, also known as the Oriental spruce or Caucasian spruce, is a rare evergreen conifer species native to the Caucasus region and adjacent northeast Turkey. This small tree has a conical shape and features short, glossy needles that start off pale or golden-yellow before turning green. As a houseplant, Oriental spruce is easy to cultivate and requires regular watering for optimal growth. It thrives in long-lasting, direct light, ideally positioned within one foot of a window. Well-draining soil is preferred for Oriental spruce, and adding fertilizers is unnecessary if the plant is repotted whenever it doubles in size. Belonging to the Picea genus, this species is indigenous to Asia Minor.
Common names
Caucasian Spruce, Oriental Spruce, SpruceHow to care for Caucasian Spruce
Difficulty
Caring for Caucasian Spruce is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Caucasian Spruce should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Caucasian 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
To ensure optimal growth, the Caucasian Spruce prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
Fertilizer
The Caucasian Spruce grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the Caucasian Spruce as it grows vertically.
Region of origin
Caucasian Spruce’s native range is E. Europe to W. Asia.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Picea Genus
Picea mariana Black Spruce
Picea jezoensis Yeddo Spruce
Picea brachytyla Sargent Spruce
Picea omorika Serbian Spruce
Picea fennica Finnish Spruce
Picea orientalis Caucasian Spruce
Picea asperata Dragon Spruce
Picea glauca Dwarf Alberta Spruce
Picea abies Common Spruce
