As a member of the Pistacia genus, I, Pistacia weinmannifolia, require attentive care that shifts with the seasons to thrive. Here is my guide to staying healthy and vibrant throughout the year.
This is my time to burst forth! As temperatures rise and daylight increases, I break my winter dormancy. Please place me in a location with ample bright, indirect light to fuel this new growth. You should gradually increase watering as my soil surface feels dry to the touch, but always ensure my pot has excellent drainage to prevent my roots from rotting. This is the ideal season to feed me with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support the development of my new, often reddish, leaves and strengthen my branches for the year ahead.
I am in my full glory now, with my dense, pinnate leaves providing a beautiful canopy. I enjoy the warmth, but intense, direct afternoon sun can sometimes scorch my foliage. Please provide me with bright light but consider offering some slight protection during the hottest part of the day. Watering becomes crucial; I will need more frequent and deep watering as the soil dries out quickly in the heat. However, the rule remains: I love moisture but despise soggy feet. Good air circulation around my foliage is also appreciated to keep pests like spider mites at bay.
As the days shorten and the air cools, I begin to prepare for my winter rest. You will notice my growth slowing down significantly. This is your cue to reduce watering gradually, allowing the soil to dry out more between sessions. Please stop fertilizing me entirely; I do not need new growth that will be tender and vulnerable to the coming cold. This season is also an excellent time for any necessary light pruning to maintain my shape and remove any dead or crossing branches, helping me conserve energy for the dormant period.
I am now dormant. My metabolism has slowed almost to a halt, and I have dropped my leaves to conserve energy and water. I require much less water now; please only water me sparingly when the soil is completely dry to prevent my roots from desiccating. My most critical winter need is protection from the cold. As a species sensitive to frost, I must be kept in a cool, bright location away from freezing drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. While I appreciate bright light even in dormancy, keep me away from direct heat sources like radiators, which can dry me out.
