Siberian Larch Plant Care

Siberian Larch (Larix sibirica) belongs to the Pinaceae family within the Larix genus. Siberian Larch is native to western Russia, from close to the Finnish border east to the Yenisei valley in central Siberia. Siberian Larch is also known as Russian Larch.

Siberian Larch displays a tall, conical tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Siberian Larch produces small, inconspicuous cones.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Siberian Larch every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Siberian Larch thrives in full sun.

Larix sibirica tolerates temperatures of 0–70°F. Siberian Larch prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Siberian Larch to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining loamy soil with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Siberian Larch can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Siberian Larch needs little pruning. Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches in late winter or early spring.

Don't cut back into old, bare wood: conifers in the pine family rarely sprout new growth from it. To keep a denser shape, trim only the soft new shoots in late spring.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes — evergreens keep losing water through their needles all winter, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Siberian Larch can be propagated through seeds, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to european larch plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Siberian Larch is susceptible to aphids, bark beetles, pine needle scale. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.