Pseudotsuga macrocarpa aka Big Cone Douglas Fir

Taxonomy

Genus Pseudotsuga Family Pinaceae Order Pinales Class Pinopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Pseudotsuga macrocarpa, also known as the bigcone spruce or bigcone Douglas-fir, is an evergreen conifer that is native to the mountains of southern California. It is a shade-tolerant tree that prefers to grow on slopes and can be found from the San Rafael Mountains in central Santa Barbara County to the Cuyamaca Mountains in San Diego County. The bigcone spruce is named after its large cones, which are the largest in the Pseudotsuga genus. The bigcone spruce resembles the interior Douglas fir in bark and foliage characters, and somewhat in growth form, but the two species do not co-occur in their native habitats. It can grow up to 30 meters in height and 100 centimeters in diameter at breast height, with a roughly conical crown that often bears some deformation due to the dry sites, poor soils and frequent fire that this tree must frequently contend with. The twigs are slender, glabrous or pubescent, while the needles are bluish green, mucronate-tipped, and measure between 20-45 × 1-1.5 mm. The pollen cones are pale yellow. The bigcone spruce is also a rare houseplant that requires regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be placed less than one foot from a window. For optimal growth, the plant should be repotted each time it doubles in size and placed in well-draining soil. It does not require added fertilizers.

Common names

Big Cone Douglas Fir, Big Cone Spruce, Bigcone Douglas Fir

How to care for Big Cone Douglas Fir

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Big Cone Douglas Fir is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Big Cone Douglas Fir should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Big Cone Douglas Fir 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

To ensure optimal growth, the Big Cone Douglas Fir 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 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 Big Cone Douglas Fir should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

More info:
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More Species in Pseudotsuga Genus

Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas Fir