Pseudotaxus chienii Plant Care

Pseudotaxus chienii (Pseudotaxus chienii) belongs to the Taxaceae family within the Pseudotaxus genus. Pseudotaxus chienii is native to southern China, occurring in northern Guangdong, northern Guangxi, Hunan, Southwest Jiangxi, and southern Zhejiang.

Pseudotaxus chienii displays a slow-growing evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Pseudotaxus chienii produces inconspicuous, small male and female cones.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pseudotaxus chienii every 14–21 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.

Pseudotaxus chienii thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Pseudotaxus chienii tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Pseudotaxus chienii prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Pseudotaxus chienii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Pseudotaxus chienii every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pseudotaxus chienii is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Pseudotaxus chienii can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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.

Prune Pseudotaxus chienii while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Pseudotaxus chienii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Pseudotaxus chienii can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Pseudotaxus chienii is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Pseudotaxus chienii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Pseudotaxus chienii is native to southern China, occurring in northern Guangdong, northern Guangxi, Hunan, Southwest Jiangxi, and southern Zhejiang. In cooler regions, grow Pseudotaxus chienii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.