The Latest Complete Guide to Growing and Caring for Chinese Pistache (Qingxiangmu)

Qingxiangmu (Chinese pistache, Pistacia chinensis) belongs to the genus Pistacia in the Anacardiaceae family. It tolerates drought and poor soil, has a well-developed root system and strong resistance, and is a pioneer tree species for afforestation and greening in dry-hot river valley areas, as well as the main fuelwood species there. Qingxiangmu has a beautiful tree shape and a fresh fragrance, and offers a variety of edible and medicinal functions, giving it broad development prospects. Let us take a look together at the growing methods and precautions for Qingxiangmu!

Growth Habits of Qingxiangmu

Qingxiangmu is a sun-loving tree, but it also tolerates slight shade. It prefers warmth and requires deep soil. It has strong sprouting ability, grows slowly and lives long, but seedlings are not very cold-resistant and need protection in North China. The plant can withstand low temperatures of -10°C, and prefers soil with ample sunlight and no waterlogging.

Qingxiangmu is produced in Yunnan, Wenshan Prefecture, Guizhou (southwest) and Guangxi (southwest) in China, and grows under limestone forests or in scrub at altitudes of 580-2700 m.

Propagation Methods for Qingxiangmu

1. Seed propagation: With seed propagation, the seed ripening period of Qingxiangmu is very close to its shedding period. Once ripe, the seeds fall off at the slightest wind or rain, making them hard to collect, or they are pecked and eaten by birds and animals. When the seeds begin to show signs of ripening, collect them from the tree in time. Qingxiangmu seeds are wrapped in juicy flesh and are prone to contamination and mildew, so the collected seeds must be processed immediately: pile the fruit to ferment, mash the fruit skin, wash in water, remove the seeds and discard impurities, then dry them in the shade and store them in a ventilated, dry place. Sowing can be done in both spring and autumn; generally, the germination rate of autumn sowing is higher than that of spring sowing. Before sowing, soak the selected seeds in warm water at an initial temperature of about 20°C for 24 hours. Once the seeds swell after absorbing water, remove them and place them under warm, moist conditions to promote germination. Generally, the seeding rate is 6 kg per mu.

2. Cutting propagation: Qingxiangmu can be propagated by cuttings in both spring and autumn. During the tree's dormant period, select 1-year-old vigorous branches from a mature mother tree, cut them into cuttings 1O-l5 cm long, with the upper cut 1-1.5 cm from a bud and the lower cut 0.3-0.5 cm from a bud. The cutting medium should preferably be a well-aerated medium with moderate water-holding capacity and a neutral or slightly acidic pH. Before cutting, the medium must be sterilized. Soak the base of the cuttings in ABT rooting powder solution (use according to the instructions). The soaking time is 12-24 hours. Open a trench and plant, inserting the cuttings about 2/3 into the soil. After planting, cover with plastic film to increase air humidity. Manage carefully before rooting; rooting begins after about 45 days.

Growing Methods for Qingxiangmu

1. Soil: It tolerates drought and poor soil and prefers soil that does not waterlog, so the soil must be chosen for good water permeability.

2. Watering: Do not water Qingxiangmu too frequently; once every 3—5 days is appropriate. Each watering must be thorough, meaning the water must moisten the bottom. Too much watering will cause root rot.

3. Sunlight: Qingxiangmu loves light and can be sunned every day, but do not expose it to prolonged harsh sun. Generally, placing it on a balcony or in a sunny spot indoors is fine. Qingxiangmu also tolerates slight shade, so a few days without sun is no problem.

4. Temperature: Seedlings are not very cold-resistant and need protection in North China. The plant can withstand low temperatures of -10°C, so as long as it is kept indoors, winter is no problem.

5. Fertilizing: Qingxiangmu is quite sensitive to fertilizer. For seedlings, apply as little fertilizer as possible or even none, to avoid excessive fertility causing fertilizer burn or leggy growth.

6. Pests: If there are scale insects on the branches and leaves or red spider mites harming the leaves, targeted pesticides can be sprayed for control, such as methidathion and chlorpyrifos for scale insects, and dicofol and hexythiazox for red spider mites, etc.

7. Pruning: It grows slowly and is easy to shape. Flexibly apply shaping techniques such as coiling, binding, twisting and pressing, and shape it according to its natural form. After several years of care, an ideal potted plant can be cultivated.

Precautions for Growing Qingxiangmu

1. Transplanting issue: Just after buying it, because the original flower pot was ugly, it was transplanted. The problem came: after transplanting, Qingxiangmu will show leaf drop. This is a normal reaction, so do not worry too much.

2. Wind issue: Qingxiangmu cannot withstand strong wind; if the wind is strong, the leaves will fall. This is because the connection points of Qingxiangmu leaves are very fragile.

3. Placement issue: When the plant is weak, it is not recommended to place it next to a computer for a long time; radiation and heat from the computer are still quite harmful.