Pinus halepensis aka Aleppo Pine

Taxonomy

Pinus halepensis, also known as the Aleppo pine or Jerusalem pine, is a tall evergreen tree that is native to the Mediterranean region and is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 and 10. It can grow up to 65 feet tall and up to 36 inches each year, with light-green, short needles bundled in clusters of two and brown cones that can reach up to 3 inches long. This tree has a lifespan of over 150 years and can overwhelm small yards. Aleppo Pine is also a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and direct light, and it prefers well-draining soil. It belongs to the Pinus genus and is native to Southern Europe.

Common names

Aleppo Pine, Jerusalem Pine

How to care for Aleppo Pine

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Aleppo Pine is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Aleppo Pine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Aleppo Pine 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 Aleppo Pine 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

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

The Aleppo Pine is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Region of origin

Aleppo Pine’s native range is S. Europe to W. Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia