Pinus hartwegii aka Hartweg's Pine

Taxonomy

Pinus hartwegii, also known as Hartweg's pine or pino de las alturas, is a tall evergreen pine native to the mountains of Mexico and Central America, extending east to Honduras. It was named after Karl Theodor Hartweg, who first described it in 1838. This impressive tree can grow up to 31m (103ft) in height, with a straight trunk that reaches a diameter of 1.2m (4ft) when mature. The bark is deeply furrowed and brown to grey in color, divided into plates. The canopy, which is flattened oval-shaped, is found on the upper parts of the trunk in mature specimens. It consists of stiff, dark green needles that can reach up to 20cm (8in) in length, usually appearing in groups of five. The cones of Hartweg's pine are oval, around 8cm (3in) long, and have a tapering tip. They appear in whirls of five or six and start off purplish brown when young, gradually turning brown with age and featuring a black tip on each scale. In addition to its natural habitat, Pinus hartwegii can also be grown as a super rare houseplant. To ensure its thriving, regular watering is necessary. It thrives best when exposed to long-lasting, direct light and should be positioned within 1 foot from a window. Well-draining soil is preferred for this species. When repotting, it is recommended to do so each time the plant doubles in size, eliminating the need for additional fertilizers.

Common names

Hartweg's Pine, Mexican Mountain Pine, Donnell Smith Pine

How to care for Hartweg's Pine

Water

Hartweg's Pine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Hartweg's 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

Hartweg's Pine thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Donnell Smith Pine.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

The Hartweg's Pine is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia