Chinese pistache (Pistacia chinensis)
Also known as: Chinese Pistache
The Chinese pistache (*Pistacia chinensis*) is a medium-sized tree belonging to the cashew family. It is widely utilized for urban landscaping, often lining city streets. Its wood is valued for furniture making, and it is also a popular choice for ornamental use in Chinese gardens.
Attributes of Chinese pistache
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
20 m
Spread
6 m to 9 m
Leaf Color
Green Yellow Orange Red
Flower Size
5 cm to 8 cm
Flower Color
Green Red
Images of Chinese pistache
Quickly Identify Chinese pistache
1
Umbrella-like canopy spanning 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters).
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Distinctive salmon-colored underlayer beneath grayish-brown bark.
3
Male flowers in dense clusters, females in looser arrays.
4
Leaves are compound, pinnate, and emit fragrance when bruised.
5
Terminal buds ovate with prominent scales, stem with distinctive lenticels and leaf scars.
Scientific Classification of Chinese pistache
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Maples, mangos, mahogany, citrus, and allies
Family
Cashew
Genus
Pistacia
Species
Chinese pistache
Planting and Growing of Chinese pistache
Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 2 days
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun
Sunshine Duration
4-8 hours
Ideal Temperature
60-75℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
2 times a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Plastic, Ceramic
How to Water Chinese pistache?
For Pistacia chinensis, the watering amount per session should be around 500 ml. The goal is to moisten the soil thoroughly but ensure that excess water can drain away easily, preventing waterlogging. This facilitates deep root development and ensures the plant accesses nutrients efficiently.
What are the symptoms of an underwatered Chinese pistache?
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What should I do if my Chinese pistache is not getting enough water?
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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Chinese pistache?
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How to save an overwatered Chinese pistache?
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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Chinese pistache?
Pistacia chinensis thrives best in full to partial sun, requiring 6 to 8 hours of sunlight, granting balanced growth and vibrant foliage. Ideal sunlight exposure supports maximum photosynthesis and robust overall plant health.
What is the best location for planting?
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How to ensure consistent ideal lighting?
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What benefits does ideal lighting offer?
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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Chinese pistache?
For optimal growth, Pistacia chinensis thrives in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. This range supports healthy photosynthesis, respiration, and metabolic function, ensuring robust tree development and resilience against pests and diseases.
What Soil is Best for Chinese pistache?
Pistacia chinensis thrives in well-drained soil, preventing root rot by allowing excess water to escape easily. Good drainage is crucial as it ensures healthy root development and prevents waterlogged conditions that can stunt growth. This plant prefers moderately fertile soils containing balanced nutrients. Adequate fertility supports robust growth and foliage but avoids overly rich soils that could lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering and fruiting. Pistacia chinensis does best in soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. This pH range optimizes nutrient availability, enhancing the absorption of essential minerals for healthy development.
How to Fertilize Chinese pistache?
For Pistacia chinensis, the fertilizer amount should be just enough to boost growth without overwhelming the plant. A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer is recommended during spring, using about 1 pound per inch of trunk diameter, distributed evenly around the root zone.
How to Prune Chinese pistache?
Begin by inspecting the tree and removing any dead or diseased branches. Make cuts at least several inches into healthy wood to ensure all diseased tissue is removed. Thin out crowded branches to allow sunlight and air to penetrate the canopy. This is vital in preventing fungal diseases. Shape the tree by cutting back branches to maintain its desired form. Do not remove more than a third of the tree's total structure in a single year. Over-pruning can stress the tree and make it more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Maintain strong branch angles between 45 and 90 degrees to ensure that the tree can withstand windy conditions and heavy loads, like fruit or snow.
How to Propagate Chinese pistache plant?
1
Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours to break dormancy. This increases the likelihood of successful germination by mimicking natural stratification processes.
2
Select healthy shoots and use sterile pruning shears to take cuttings about 4-6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves to minimize water loss and promote root growth.
3
Choose compatible rootstock and scion. Make a clean, sloping cut, then bind them together securely. Cover the graft union with grafting tape to protect it and promote fusion.
How to Repot Chinese pistache plant?
1
Pistacia chinensis should be repotted when you observe roots coming out of the drainage holes, indicating root bound. Additionally, if the plant's growth slows or it dries out too quickly, it's time to upgrade the pot.
2
Opt for a container that is 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the current pot, with good drainage. This provides enough room for growth while preventing waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
3
Select a well-draining loamy soil, preferably mixed with some sand or perlite. Such a mix ensures adequate aeration and prevents water retention, essential for healthy root development.
