Prunus incisa aka Fuji Cherry

Taxonomy

Prunus incisa, also known as the Fuji cherry, is a species of flowering plant in the Rosaceae family. It is native to Japan and can be found growing wild in the Kantō, Chūbu, and Kinki regions. The plant gets its name from the deep incisions on its leaves. It is particularly abundant around Mount Fuji and Hakone. This dainty, slow-growing cherry is highly regarded as an ornamental, but its wood has no industrial value. It is hardy to temperatures as low as -20 °C and can be crossed with Prunus speciosa to create the cultivar Prunus 'Umineko'. Prunus incisa is classified in the ornamental section Pseudocerasus of the cherry subgenus Cerasus in the genus Prunus. Some cultivars, such as 'The Bride', 'Kojo-no-mai', 'Oshidori', and Prunus incisa f. yamadei, have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. 'Kojo-no-Mai' is a specific cultivar of Prunus incisa that is suitable for small gardens, as it can be pruned to a maximum size of 1.5–2 m (5–7 ft). It can also be grown in a large pot, where it will produce a dome of twiggy growth and display brilliant autumn colors. As a deciduous shrub or small tree, Prunus incisa can reach heights of up to 3.5m. It has an upright, rounded habit and small, ovate leaves with sharp teeth. In autumn, the leaves turn orange and red. The plant is very prolific in its flowering, producing small, single, saucer-shaped white blossoms that are approximately 2cm across. Flowering Cherry is a rare houseplant that requires regular watering to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be positioned within 1 foot of a window. The plant benefits from soil that retains moisture well. Repotting is recommended each time it doubles in size, so additional fertilizers may not be necessary.

Common names

Fuji Cherry

How to care for Fuji Cherry

Water

Fuji Cherry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

When growing Fuji Cherry, it is important to pay attention to the soil type you are using. This plant is very sensitive to dry soil and needs a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still be well-draining and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great options to provide the Fuji Cherry with the nutrients and moisture it needs. The added organic matter will also help the soil retain water and prevent the Fuji Cherry from drying out too quickly. Before planting, make sure to mix compost or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Also, make sure to water the Fuji Cherry regularly, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. With the correct soil and watering regimen, the Fuji Cherry will thrive and bring lots of beauty to your home.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Fuji Cherry 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.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Fuji Cherry is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Fuji Cherry’s native range is E. Asia - Japan.


More info:
Wikipedia