Pinus resinosa aka American Red Pine

Taxonomy

Pinus resinosa, also known as red pine or Norway pine, is a coniferous evergreen tree native to North America. It can be found from Newfoundland to Manitoba and south to Pennsylvania, with smaller populations in the Appalachian Mountains, northern New Jersey, and northern Illinois. The red pine is characterized by its tall, straight growth, typically reaching 20-35 meters in height and 1 meter in trunk diameter, with a conical crown that becomes a narrow rounded dome with age. The bark is thick and gray-brown at the base but thin, flaky, and bright orange-red in the upper crown, giving the tree its distinctive name. The leaves are needle-like, dark yellow-green, and snap cleanly when bent, growing in fascicles of two and measuring 12-18 cm in length. The cones are symmetrical ovoid and ripen to nut-blue, opening to 4-5 cm broad, with scales that lack a prickle and are almost stalkless. Red pine is the state tree of Minnesota and is also a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and well-draining soil, thriving in direct light less than 1 foot from a window. The name "Norway" may originate from early Scandinavian immigrants who likened the American red pines to the closely related European red pines back home.

Common names

American Red Pine, Red Pine, Norway Pine

How to care for American Red Pine

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

American Red 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

American Red 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 Red Pine is always in the right place to thrive.

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 American Red Pine 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.


More info:
Wikipedia