PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Bright indirect to partial direct sunlight; tolerates light shade but may lose dense foliage in deep shade
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5–7 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in 15–25℃; can tolerate short periods of 5℃ but avoid frost exposure
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow, linear, glossy dark green leaves, 5–10 cm long, drooping in dense sprays
- Cones: Male cones are small, yellow, clustered at branch tips; female cones develop fleshy, purple-red arils
- Stem/Bark: Smooth, grey-brown bark that becomes fissured with age
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; increase frequency during hot, dry spells
Fertilization
Apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer once at the start of growth. Avoid fertilizing in winter when growth enters a dormant phase
Eggshell powder top-dressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface and work into the top 2 cm to improve soil structure and add calciumPruning
- Remove dead or damaged branches in late winter to maintain shape and improve airflow
- Trim overgrown shoots to control size for container-grown specimens
- Thin dense foliage to allow light penetration to inner branches and reduce pest risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; contains podophyllotoxin, causing vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain
Humans: Ingestion of large quantities may cause oral irritation, nausea, and vomiting
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental tree for gardens, hedges, or indoor container displays; used for high-quality timber in its native range
