Pseudolarix Amabilis

Class

Pinopsida (Conifers)

Division

Pinophyta

Family

Pinaceae or Pinaceae

Order

Pinales

Genus

Pseudolarix

Species

amabilis

Description

Deciduous perennial conifer, much appreciated in the art of bonsai due to its conical to irregular foliage with tender needle-shaped leaves, blue green below, turning to golden yellow before dropping when cold weather arrives and assuming an important ornamental value. It requires care and attention with regard to cultivation care such as fertilising, watering and pruning.

Varietal description

Pinaceae family, it is a species native to the coastal mountain area of southern China. It is a deciduous conifer that resembles the larch, but differs from it in the shape of the strobili. In the wild it is very slow-growing and has a conical habit, with horizontal main branches and drooping younger branches. It has tender foliage, 3-6 cm long, light green on the upper part, tending to blue on the lower part, which falls off with the cold season, not before changing colour to a golden yellow. The bark is greyish and tends to crack over time. it was introduced to europe by sir robert fortune (the same scholar who first brought bonsai to europe) who spotted it during his first trip to china (1843)

curiosity and special features

The botanical genus name means 'false larch' due to the similarity of the foliage to the larch, although it is also distinguished from the latter by the morphology of the strobili, while the epithet amabilis means lovable or attractive-looking.

Origin and Diffusion

A species native to China, particularly the territory stretching from Hunan to Zhejiang; it was introduced to Europe by Sir Robert Fortune, the same scholar who first brought bonsai trees to Europe, who spotted it during his first trip to China in the 1800s.

Leaf

The leaves, which fall during the cold season, have tender needle-like laminae 3 to 6 centimetres long.

Leaf color

The needle-like laminae are bicoloured, striped, particularly light green in the upper part and tending to blue in the lower part, turning a golden yellow before the leaves fall.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.35 to 1.5 m, depending on the size of the pot and the setting of the specimen.

Lifespan

Deciduous perennial conifer.

Suggested planting locations

Cultivated as pot bonsai , large pots, small pots, depending on the age of the specimen.

Stem/stem

The woody stem has greyish bark that tends to crack over time.

Growth

Slow-growing, determined plant.

Plant habit

It develops an erect habitus with a conical habitus.

branching

medium with horizontal main branches and hanging younger branches.

pH

It requires a pH of the cultivation soil between 5.0 and 6.5.

sun exposure

Suitable as a plant for half shade, full sun; prefers bright, warm and fairly humid areas. In summer it is preferable to place it in half-shade to avoid too high temperatures.

Ideal climate and temperature

The idealtemperature is between 10and 25 °CThevital temperature is between -10 and 40 °C. It prefers a temperate and humid climate, during winter it withstands the cold well, although not as well as European conifers.

Use

Highly valued as a bonsai species in:

Ornamental Outdoor ornamental Indoor ornamental

Hardiness

Of average rusticity, it requires special attention for cultivation care such as fertilisation, irrigation and pruning.

Soil/medium

Use a specific soil for bonsai.

Maintenance

An averagely difficult plant to grow, it must be tended with constancy and attention.

cultivation tips

Some specific cultivation tips for better vegetative development:

Expose the plant to maximum light Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours In summer it is preferable to place the plants in sunny sites only in the morning or in shade during the hottest hours. Keep the substrate moist at all times Prefers slightly calcareous water Prefers warm and humid climate

pruning

Carry out continuous pruning during the vegetative phase to limit the development of new shoots. A training cut should be made when the plant has been defoliated, in winter, cutting off the disproportionate small branches. Training pruning should be carried out in winter and during the growing season, keeping new shoots in check but still allowing them to grow.

potting

Every three years or so, in early spring, using soil with a good supply of organic matter.

Irrigation

Water moderately and often, keeping the substrate moist at all times, without allowing it to dry out too much but preventing waterlogging. In dry conditions, spray the foliage with rainwater or demineralised water to promote a suitable ambient humidity.

Fertilization

Fertilise every month, during the growth period, using organic fertilisers specifically for bonsai; through subsequent irrigation the plant will then have the necessary nutrients available. In addition, remove spent fertiliser granules monthly and replace with new ones. For winter fertilisation use specific organic fertilisers for conifers (Japanese Tamaki) or Japanese Biogold classic.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

advise 1

In dry weather, spray the foliage with rainwater or water low in lime. For winter fertilisation use specific organic fertilisers for conifers (Japanese Tamaki) or Japanese Biogold classic.