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 PearHow 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
To ensure optimal growth, the Chinese Pear prefers bright diffused 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
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
