Populus nigra aka Black Poplar

Taxonomy

Populus nigra, also known as the black poplar, is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree that is native to Europe, southwest and central Asia, and northwest Africa. It belongs to the Populus genus and is the type species of section Aigeiros. The tree has diamond-shaped to triangular, green leaves that are 5-8 cm long on both surfaces. In addition to its natural habitat, black poplar is also cultivated as a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and good soil moisture retention. It thrives best in long-lasting, direct light and should be placed less than 1 foot away from a window. Repotting is recommended every time the plant doubles in size, and added fertilizers are not necessary.

Common names

Black Poplar, Lombardy Poplar, Black Cottonwood

How to care for Black Poplar

Difficulty

Black Poplar is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Black Poplar should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Black Poplar is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

Lighting

Black Poplar requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Black Poplar will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Black Poplar to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The Black Poplar should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Black Poplar’s native range is Central and southern Europe, including Britain, Mediterranean, temperate Asia to the Himalayas.


More info:
Wikipedia