Platycladus Orientalis

Description

Platycladus Orientalis, also known as Chinese Arborvitae, is a popular evergreen tree native to East Asia. It belongs to the Cupressaceae family and is commonly grown as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks. The tree can grow up to 20-30 meters in height and has a conical shape with a broad base and an upright habit. The bark is reddish-brown and peels off in vertical strips. The leaves are scale-like and arranged in flattened sprays, which are green in color and become yellow-brown during autumn.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Pinophyta
Class	Pinopsida
Order	Pinales
Family	Cupressaceae
Genus	Platycladus

Appearance

Platycladus Orientalis has a distinctive conical shape with a broad base and an upright habit. The tree can grow up to 20-30 meters in height and 5-10 meters in width. The bark of the tree is reddish-brown and peels off in vertical strips. The leaves are scale-like and arranged in flattened sprays, which are green in color and become yellow-brown during autumn. The tree produces cones that are small, round, and brown in color. The cones contain seeds that are winged and dispersed by the wind.

Care Guide

Platycladus Orientalis is an easy-to-grow tree that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to keep your tree healthy:Water: The tree requires moderate watering during the growing season. Water the tree deeply once a week, and allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.Fertilization: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.Soil: The tree can grow in a variety of soil types, but prefers well-drained soil. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH of 6.0-7.0.Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant the tree in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Platycladus Orientalis is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, the tree may be susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, and bagworms. Spider mites and scale insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Bagworms can be removed by hand or treated with Bacillus thuringiensis.

Habitat

Platycladus Orientalis is native to East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. The tree grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, hillsides, and riverbanks. The tree is commonly grown as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks.

Question and Answer

Q: How tall can Platycladus Orientalis grow?
A: Platycladus Orientalis can grow up to 20-30 meters in height.Q: What is the best soil type for Platycladus Orientalis?
A: Platycladus Orientalis can grow in a variety of soil types, but prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic with a pH of 6.0-7.0.Q: How often should I water Platycladus Orientalis?
A: Platycladus Orientalis requires moderate watering during the growing season. Water the tree deeply once a week, and allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.Q: What are the common pests and diseases of Platycladus Orientalis?
A: Platycladus Orientalis is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, the tree may be susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, and bagworms.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Platycladus Orientalis:

• Thuja Occidentalis
• Cryptomeria Japonica
• Chamaecyparis Obtusa
• Cupressus Sempervirens

References

• “Platycladus orientalis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277102.
• “Platycladus orientalis.” Flora of China, www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200005215.
• “Platycladus orientalis.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/13885/Platycladus-orientalis/Details.