How is Chinese pistache best pruned? A detailed guide to pruning methods
Chinese pistache is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the cashew family (Anacardiaceae), genus Pistacia, also known as Qingxiang tree, fine-leaved pistache, fragrant leaf, etc. Its leaves are fine and dense and emerald green, new leaves are red, and the branches are slender and quite lovely. Together with its fresh fragrance, it has in recent years become a small ornamental foliage potted plant, winning more and more people's affection. Now let us take a look at how Chinese pistache is best pruned!
How is Chinese pistache pruned?
Chinese pistache has fairly strong sprouting ability and tolerates pruning well. Because the plant grows rather slowly, it is easy to shape. Through professional pruning techniques, trimming and care are carried out appropriately according to the growth trend of the branches, and a highly ornamental potted plant with an antique feel can be created. Pruning Chinese pistache generally has no special seasonal requirement; apart from rainy days, it can be pruned at any other time of the year. By flexibly applying shaping techniques such as coiling, tying, twisting and pressing, and shaping according to the plant's tendency, an ideal potted plant can be cultivated after several years of care.
How is Chinese pistache watered?
Chinese pistache has lush branches and leaves, and water evaporates quickly, so it needs frequent watering. However, before watering, the soil surface should be dry, and it should be done when loosening the soil is somewhat difficult. At the same time, Chinese pistache should not be watered too frequently; once every 3 to 5 days is suitable. Each watering must be a thorough soaking, that is, the water must wet the bottom. Watering too much will cause root rot. If the plant already shows signs of water shortage and wilting, then the soil condition can be ignored and it should be watered immediately.
How is Chinese pistache cared for?
1. Soil: Chinese pistache tolerates drought and poor, thin soil, and prefers soil that does not easily hold water, so the soil must be chosen with good water permeability.
2. Sunlight: Chinese pistache likes light and can be sunned every day, but do not expose it to strong sun for long periods. Generally, placing it on a balcony or in a sunny spot indoors is fine. It is also slightly shade-tolerant, and it is fine not to sun it for a few days.
3. Temperature: The cold resistance of Chinese pistache seedlings is not strong, and protection is needed in North China. The plant can withstand a low temperature of -10°C, so as long as it is kept indoors, winter is no problem.
4. Fertilizing: Chinese pistache is rather sensitive to fertilizer. Seedlings should be fertilized as little as possible or even not at all, to avoid burning the seedlings or causing excessive leggy growth due to overly rich fertility.
5. Pests: If there are scale insects on the branches and leaves or red spider mites on the leaves, pesticides specifically for killing them can be sprayed for control, such as methidathion and chlorpyrifos for controlling scale insects, and dicofol and hexythiazox for controlling red spider mites, and so on.