Pinus patula
aka
Jelecote Pine
Taxonomy
Pinus patula, also known as patula pine, spreading-leaved pine, or Mexican weeping pine, is a tree native to the highlands of Mexico. It grows up to 30m tall and is moderately drought-tolerant, with an average annual rainfall of 750 to 2000mm in its native habitat. It cannot withstand long periods of temperatures as low as −10°C, but can resist occasional brief dips below 0°C. The timber is pale-pink to salmon, moderately soft, brittle and smelling strongly of aniseed when freshly cut.
Pinus patula is planted at high altitudes in Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Zimbabwe, Papua New Guinea, and Hawaii. In Hawaii, it is replacing the native alpine grassland. At lower altitudes than its origin country, it is cultivated in Southern Brazil, South Africa, India, and in the Argentine provinces of Córdoba and San Luis. It is planted for forestation purposes in lands originally covered by bushland.
Mexican Weeping Pine is a rare houseplant that needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. The plant likes soil that is well-draining and shouldn't need added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. It has also been introduced near sea level in New South Wales, Australia, where it spreads naturally by wind and is favored because rainfalls are more abundant in summer. It was introduced in New Zealand for commercial purposes and is fully naturalized there. It is also cultivated in the United Kingdom as an ornamental tree for parks and gardens and has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Common names
Jelecote Pine, Hang Leaf Pine, Mexican Weeping Pine
How to care for Jelecote Pine
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Jelecote Pine is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Jelecote Pine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Jelecote 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.
To ensure optimal growth, the Jelecote 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.
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.
The Jelecote 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.
More info:
Wikipedia