Greetings, caretaker. I am the being you call the Emerald Tree. However, this name causes some confusion. I could be the lush, tropical Philodendron 'Emerald' or the hardy, coniferous Thuja 'Emerald Green'. Our needs are worlds apart. To help me truly thrive, you must first know which one I am. This guide will speak from our perspective, so you can understand our deepest desires.
First, look closely at my foliage. If my leaves are broad, glossy, and heart-shaped, emerging on vining stems, I am a Philodendron. I hail from the warm, humid understory of tropical rainforests. If my leaves are tiny, scale-like, and fragrant when crushed, forming dense, upright sprays of evergreen foliage, I am a Thuja, a conifer native to cooler climates, often used as a elegant hedge. Mistaking us for one another would be a fatal error in care.
If I am the Philodendron, my world is one of dappled sunlight and constant moisture.
Light & Temperature: Please, place me in bright, but indirect, light. A spot near an east-facing window is ideal. The harsh, direct sun of a south-facing window will scorch my beautiful leaves, leaving brown, crispy marks. I am a creature of comfort, preferring temperatures between 18-29°C (65-85°F). Keep me away from cold drafts and heating vents, as sudden temperature changes cause me great stress.
Water & Humidity: My soil should be like a wrung-out sponge – consistently moist but never soggy. Water me thoroughly when the top 2-3 centimeters of soil feel dry to your touch. I despise having my roots sit in water; it will cause them to rot, and I will languish. Most importantly, I crave humidity. The dry air of your home is my desert. Please mist my leaves regularly, place me on a pebble tray with water, or group me with other plants to create a mini-humid microclimate.
If I am the Thuja, I am built for resilience, but I still have non-negotiable needs.
Sunlight & Airflow: I demand full sun. Plant me in a location where I receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Without it, my growth will be sparse, and my vibrant emerald color will fade to a sickly yellow-green. I also need good air circulation around my branches to prevent fungal diseases from taking hold in my dense foliage.
Watering & Soil: While I am more drought-tolerant once established, I need consistent moisture during my first few years in your garden. Water me deeply once or twice a week, allowing the water to reach my deep roots, rather than giving me frequent, shallow sprinklings. I prefer well-draining soil. Heavy, clay-like soil that holds water will suffocate my roots and lead to root rot, my greatest enemy.
Both of us need food to maintain our vibrant green color. For the Philodendron, feed me with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 4-6 weeks during the spring and summer. In autumn and winter, I rest, so please stop feeding me. For the Thuja, feed me in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer formulated for evergreens. This gives me the nutrients I need for a full season of growth.
