Sciadopityaceae
Japanese umbrella pine: Pet-Safe Plant
Sciadopitys verticillata
A demanding plant that requires a cool, humid environment and acidic, well-drained soil. Avoid calcareous (lime-rich) soils and harsh midday sun.
Every 10 days
Partial shade
-25° - 30°C
60% - 90%
Categories
What is Japanese umbrella pine?
Japanese umbrella pine (Sciadopitys verticillata) is a hard-care plant from the Sciadopityaceae family. Sciadopitys verticillata, or the Japanese umbrella pine, is a unique living fossil native to the mountain forests of Japan. Its most distinctive feature is the arrangement of its needles, which grow in umbrella-like whorls at the ends of the shoots. It is a slow-growing, pyramidal evergreen with red...
Japanese umbrella pine grows up to 25.0m, spread of 600cm, watering every 10 days, -25°C â 30°C, 60â90% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike easy-care plants, Japanese umbrella pine demands constant attention to humidity and light. Not recommended for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Japanese umbrella pine is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Japanese umbrella pine?
TLDR: Japanese umbrella pine needs Partial shade, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between -25-30°C with 60-90% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Japanese umbrella pine?
Never allow the soil to dry out completely, but avoid standing water as it leads to root rot.
How Much Light Does Japanese umbrella pine Need?
Young specimens prefer partial shade, while older trees can tolerate full sun if their soil remains cool.
What Is the Best Soil for Japanese umbrella pine?
It thrives exclusively in lime-free, acidic soil that is rich in nutrients.
What Pot Should You Use for Japanese umbrella pine?
It can only be kept in a container during its youth; in such cases, an unglazed terracotta pot is recommended for better aeration.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 180 days
What Is Japanese umbrella pine and Where Does It Come From?
Sciadopitys verticillata, or the Japanese umbrella pine, is a unique living fossil native to the mountain forests of Japan. Its most distinctive feature is the arrangement of its needles, which grow in umbrella-like whorls at the ends of the shoots. It is a slow-growing, pyramidal evergreen with reddish-brown, fibrous bark. Although called a pine, it taxonomically belongs to its own distinct family.
How to Propagate Japanese umbrella pine?
Sowing seeds
- Fresh seeds have a much higher germination rate.
- Be patient; growth is extremely slow during the first few years.
- 1 Stratification
Seeds must be kept in cold, moist peat for 3 months to break dormancy.
- 2 Sowing
Sow the seeds in an acidic peat mix during the spring.
- 3 Care
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide a humid environment.
Materials needed:
Cuttings
- Rooting cuttings can take up to a full year.
- Maintaining high humidity is critical.
- 1 Cutting
Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late winter.
- 2 Hormone treatment
Use a strong rooting hormone to increase the chances of success.
- 3 Planting
Place in a heated propagation bed under high humidity.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Japanese umbrella pine Grow?
TLDR: Japanese umbrella pine can reach up to 25.0m tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
25.0m
Spread
6.0m
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
In Japan, it is one of the symbols of the Imperial family, representing strength and longevity.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sticky false asphodel | Hard | Bright indirect | 1d | â |
| Creeping bentgrass | Hard | Direct sun | 3d | â |
| Bulbous Adder's-tongue | Hard | Partial shade | 4d | â |
| Crystal Anthurium | Hard | Partial shade | 7d | â ïļ |
