Tsuga heterophylla aka Western Hemlock Spruce

Taxonomy

Tsuga heterophylla, also known as the western hemlock or western hemlock-spruce, is a large evergreen coniferous tree native to the west coast of North America. Its range extends from the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska to northern Sonoma County in California. The tree can grow up to 230 ft (70 m) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 9 ft (2.7 m). The bark is brown, thin, and furrowed, and the crown is a neat broad conic shape in young trees, becoming cylindric in older trees. The tree is distinguished by its pendulous branchlet tips. Western hemlock is also cultivated as an ornamental tree and can be grown as a houseplant. When grown indoors, it needs to be placed in long-lasting, direct light and watered regularly. The soil should be well-draining, and the plant should be repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Western Hemlock Spruce, Western Hemlock

How to care for Western Hemlock Spruce

Difficulty

Caring for Western Hemlock Spruce is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Western Hemlock Spruce should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Western Hemlock Spruce 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

Western Hemlock Spruce requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Western Hemlock is always in the right place to thrive.

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 Western Hemlock Spruce grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Western Hemlock Spruce’s native range is Western N. America - Alaska to N. California.


More info:
Wikipedia