Pinus pumila aka Japanese Stone Pine

Taxonomy

Pinus pumila, also known as the Siberian dwarf pine, dwarf Siberian pine, dwarf stone pine, Japanese stone pine, or creeping pine, is a slow-growing, bushy, spreading evergreen conifer. This medium-sized shrub has blue-grey needles that grow in bundles of five. The young cones of Pinus pumila are purple and measure about 5cm in length. Native to northeastern Asia and the Japanese isles, including Japan itself, this tree belongs to the family Pinaceae. It is worth noting that several other plants share the common name creeping pine with Pinus pumila.

Common names

Japanese Stone Pine, Dwarf Siberian Pine, Dwarf Stone Pine

How to care for Japanese Stone Pine

Difficulty

Caring for Japanese Stone Pine is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

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

Soil

Japanese Stone 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

Japanese Stone Pine requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Dwarf Siberian Pine is always in the right place to thrive.

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 Japanese Stone 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