Fern Pine (Afrocarpus gracilior)

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal wind and mild drought conditions

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Watering Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot

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Temperature Hardy to mild frosts; thrives in temperate to subtropical climates

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Leaf: Linear, needle-like foliage arranged in dense, fern-like sprays; glossy dark green
Cones: Male cones are small, yellowish catkins; female cones produce fleshy purple-black seed receptacles
Stem/Bark: Mature bark is rough, fissured brown-gray; young stems are slender and green

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Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; apply deep watering during hot, dry spells

Fertilization

Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent leggy, weak growth

Composted banana peel tea：Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to avoid nutrient burn

Pruning

Trim to maintain desired shape in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges
Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
Thin dense foliage to allow light penetration and maintain a fern-like appearance

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Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic; no risk of poisoning for cats

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact

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Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental tree for hedges, privacy screens, or specimen planting; suitable for coastal landscaping