Platycladus orientalis aka Oriental Arbor Vitae

Taxonomy

Platycladus orientalis, also known as Chinese thuja, Oriental arborvitae, Chinese arborvitae, biota or Oriental thuja, is a monotypic genus of evergreen coniferous trees in the cypress family Cupressaceae. This tree is native to northeastern parts of East Asia and North Asia, but has been introduced in other regions of Asia. Chinese Arborvitae is a great choice for a hedge or privacy screen due to its quick growth and dense foliage. Its rich golden foliage brings a warm glow to any landscape and can be easily mixed with other flower and foliage textures in a mixed border. The plant is tolerant of most conditions, excluding wet, boggy sites, and grows as a dense, conical to columnar tree/shrub that opens up as it ages. The leaves emit an odor when bruised and the plant is beneficial to good air circulation. This tree is perfect for narrow spaces and small garden settings, and is a nice soft texture for mixing with other types of evergreens. Additionally, many small bird species find the dense foliage a safe and appealing place to build their nests.

Common names

Oriental Arbor Vitae, Chinese Arborvitae, Oriental Arborvitae

How to care for Oriental Arbor Vitae

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Oriental Arbor Vitae, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Oriental Arbor Vitae should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Oriental Arbor Vitae 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

Oriental Arbor Vitae 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 Chinese Arborvitae 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 Oriental Arbor Vitae 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