Thuja orientalis or Platycladus orientalis: Detailed Care and Growing Guide
Thuja orientalis, also known as Platycladus orientalis or Tree of Life, is an evergreen conifer of great ornamental value., ideal for creating dense hedges, borders, or as a standalone specimen in gardens. Its hardiness and beauty have made it a favorite among gardening enthusiasts, both beginners and experts. If you want to learn more about how to care for and grow this magnificent plant, here you'll find everything you need to keep it looking healthy and vigorous all year round.
Main characteristics of Thuja orientalis
- Scientific name: Platycladus orientalis (formerly Thuja orientalis).
- Family: Cupressaceae.
- Origin: Asia, mainly China.
- Type: Slow-growing evergreen conifer.
- Ports: Pyramidal, compact, with flat and dense branches.
- Level: From 5 to 10 meters in a garden, although in optimal conditions it can exceed 15 meters in its natural habitat.
- Foliage: Small, scaly, bright green leaves, sometimes with golden tinges on new shoots.
- Fruit: Oval cones of bluish or brownish color, decorative and with small hooks.
- Longevity: Well-cared for specimens can live for many decades, reaching over a century.
Common uses in gardening and landscaping
- Hedges and windbreaks: Its dense growth and adaptation to pruning make it ideal for forming formal hedges, natural hedges or green screens.
- Isolated specimen: It can be planted alone in the garden as a structural plant, providing volume and color throughout the year.
- Rockeries and conifer gardens: Its dwarf cultivars and compact size lend themselves to combination with other conifers or rockery plants.
- Combination with creeping plants: It serves as a protective green background in mixed compositions.
- Pots and terraces: Dwarf cultivars such as 'Aurea Nana' grow very well in pots, enhancing terraces and patios.
Light requirements and optimal location
- Solar exposition: It prefers full sun for optimal growth and vibrant foliage color, although it tolerates partial shade. In dense shade, the plant loses Density and may weaken.
- Protection: In windy locations, it may require shelter, especially when young, but generally withstands cold and mild frost well.
- Location in the garden: Avoid planting too close to walls or other plants to promote air circulation and avoid trouble mushroom.
Ideal soil and substrate type
- Well-drained soils: Thuja orientalis hates waterlogging. Compact, clayey, or poorly drained soils should be improved before planting.
- pH: It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils, although it tolerates a certain amount of alkalinity.
- Potting substrate: Recommended mix: 50% potting soil, 30% coarse sand or perlite, 20% mature compost. This ensures sewer system and nutrients.
- Organic material: The addition of compost or peat provides nutrient storage and improves soil structure.
How to prepare the substrate for Thuja orientalis in the garden
- Remove stones and large roots from the planting site.
- Till the soil to a depth of at least 40-50 cm.
- Improve the soil by mixing in coarse sand if it is very compact.
- Add compost or well-rotted manure to provide nutrients.
Planting Thuja orientalis step by step
- Planting time: It is best to plant in early spring or late summer, avoiding periods of frost or extreme heat.
- Planting distance: For dense hedges, space plants 60 to 80 cm apart. If planting a single plant, leave at least 1,5 meters between plants and other species.
- Depth: Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the plant's root ball.
- Placement: Place the root ball leaving the top part barely protruding, without burying the neck of the plant excessively.
- Initial irrigation: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the substrate.
- Mulching: Cover the base with pine bark to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
Irrigation: frequency and tips to avoid problems
- First year: It's essential to keep the substrate moist without flooding. Water 2 to 3 times a week in summer and every 5-7 days the rest of the year, adjusting according to climate and soil type.
- Established specimens: They tolerate short periods of drought but thrive better with constant humidity. In hot or dry climates, don't neglect watering, especially during heat waves.
- Signs of overwatering: Generalized yellowing of leaves, collar rot, and unpleasant odor at the base. If present, reduce the frequency and improve drainage.
- Potted: Make sure the holes are not clogged and water only when the substrate begins to dry on the surface.
Fertilization: what fertilizer to use and when to add nutrients
- Annual Subscriber: Apply special fertilizer for conifers in spring, always following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Organic fertilizer: In autumn, apply a layer of compost or mature manure around the base of the plant to improve soil structure and fertility.
- Fertilizing in pots: Use liquid conifer fertilizers once or twice during the growing season if the substrate is poor.
- Avoid excesses: Excess fertilizer, especially nitrogen, can weaken foliage and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning and maintenance of Thuja orientalis
- Formation pruning: Prune in spring, before bud break, to create a pyramidal shape or maintain a dense hedge. Thuja tolerates moderate pruning well.
- Maintenance cut: You can trim long shoots or branches that sprout during the growing season.
- Aesthetic pruning: Thanks to its ability to sprout from young wood, it can be sculpted into topiary shapes (balls, pyramids, columns).
- Clean tools: Disinfect scissors to prevent the transmission of diseases.
- Avoid drastic pruning in autumn-winter: To avoid exposing the plant to cold damage.
Temperature and climatic resistance
- Withstands moderate cold: It can tolerate light frosts and sub-zero temperatures. Only young plants require extra protection in areas with very harsh winters.
- Resistant to moderate heat: It prefers temperate climates, but can grow well in warm areas if there is enough humidity.
- Urban adaptation: It tolerates contaminated environments and the presence of wind if well established.
Reproduction of Thuja orientalis: methods and tips
- By cuttings: The most efficient and fastest method. Take semi-woody cuttings in late spring or summer. Plant in sandy soil, keeping them moist and protected from direct sunlight until they root.
- By seeds: It's possible, although it requires patience and cold stratification. They are sown in late winter and can take months to germinate.
- Separation of shoots: In well-developed adult plants, rooted shoots can be separated.
Main pests and diseases
- Aphids and mites: They can affect young parts, causing discoloration and weakening. Control with organic insecticides or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: They appear in dry environments. Use potassium soap or specific insecticides if the infestation is severe.
- Root rot: Caused by fungi in the case of excess water and poor aeration. Therefore, good drainage is key.
- Fungal diseases: Brown spots, bud necrosis, or drying out may be due to fungi if the environment is very humid. Apply fungicides if necessary.
- Prevention: Good ventilation, draining substrate and avoiding wetting the foliage when watering help prevent serious problems.
Notable varieties and cultivars of Thuja orientalis
- 'Aurea Nana': Compact, ideal for pots or borders, with golden buds.
- 'Pyramidalis': Columnar shape and vertical growth, perfect for narrow hedges.
- 'Compact': More rounded, low-growing, popular as a filler plant.
- Other cultivars: There are varieties with blue, greenish, or coppery tones, which allow for a great ornamental display in the garden.
Thuja orientalis in pots: special care
- Pot size: Always place a large container with good drainage. Repot every 2-3 years or when the roots have filled the entire container.
- Substratum: Use a universal mix with 30% perlite or coarse sand.
- Irrigation: More frequent than on the ground, avoiding puddles.
- Location: Outdoors in full sun or partial shade. Avoid indoors, where the plant may weaken.
- Pruning: Trim tips to maintain shape and prevent spin.
Benefits and considerations about Thuja orientalis
- Ornamental and ecological: Its dense, evergreen foliage provides life, privacy, and structure year-round. It provides shelter for birds and small beneficial insects.
- Durable and easy to care for: Ideal for those who want a low-maintenance garden, evergreen hedges and long-lasting composition.
- Toxic properties: It is important to emphasize that Thuja orientalis can be toxic to people and pets if ingested in large quantities.
- Traditional uses: It has been used in traditional medicine, but its internal use should be avoided except under professional supervision.
The Thuja orientalis, or arborvitae, is an exceptional conifer for its resilience, adaptability, and decorative potential. Whether you're looking for an impenetrable hedge, an elegant green screen, or a potted accent plant, this species thrives if you follow simple watering, soil, and pruning guidelines. Its maintenance is simple, and with a little attention, it will reward you with its color and structure year after year, providing refuge for local wildlife and enhancing the aesthetics of any outdoor space.
