Pyrus pyrifolia aka Chinese Pear

Taxonomy

Pyrus pyrifolia is a species of pear tree native to East Asia, known by various names such as Asian pear, Japanese pear, Chinese pear, Korean pear, Taiwanese pear, apple pear, zodiac pear, three-halves pear, papple, naspati and sand pear. The fruits are not generally baked in pies or made into jams because of their high water content and grainy texture. They are commonly served raw and peeled, and can last for several weeks or more when kept in a cold, dry place. Cultivars are classified by two groups, Akanashi ('Russet pears') and Aonashi ('Green pears'). They are also used for cooking purposes in sauces as a sweetener and to marinate meat. The tree grows up to 8-10 ft. tall (240-300 cm) and 6-7 ft. wide (180-210 cm). It prefers a sheltered, frost-free position and should be pruned every year to encourage the best crop. The tree can be propagated by grafting or chip budding onto a clonal rootstock for fruit, and needs to be kept away from aphids, caterpillars, codling moth, pear blister mite, pear midge and pear and cherry slugworm, pear scab, pear rust, brown rot, blossom wilt and fireblight. Asian pear is also an uncommon houseplant that needs regular watering and should be less than 1 foot from a window, in well-draining soil with long-lasting, direct light.

Common names

Chinese Pear, Sand Pear, Oriental Pear

How to care for Chinese Pear

Difficulty

Caring for Chinese Pear can be demanding, requiring a deep understanding of its unique needs and a commitment to provide optimal care.

Water

Chinese Pear should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Chinese Pear 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

Chinese Pear thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Oriental Pear.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Chinese Pear is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Chinese Pear’s native range is E. Asia - China.


More info:
Wikipedia