Canary Island Pine
pinus canariensis
Also known as: ["Canary Pine","Pino Canario"]
Overview
A large evergreen conifer native to the Canary Islands, known for its tall stature and long, slender needles.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Pinaceae |
| Genus: | Pinus |
| Botanical Name: | Pinus canariensis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a spacious area with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C, tolerates brief dips to 5°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with good organic content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates; ensure adequate spacing for outdoor placement to avoid overcrowding.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant regularly for even growth; provide shade during extreme heat; avoid placing near reflective surfaces that intensify sunlight.
Watering
every 7–14 days, depending on climate and soil conditions
Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure good drainage, and avoid frequent shallow watering.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with moderate fertility
pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; top-dress with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Prefers mild temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but not frost; thrives in Mediterranean climates.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize only during active growth; avoid nitrogen-heavy formulas; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or cuttings from semi-hardwood stems.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings in spring.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant once rooted.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when temperatures are mild and growth is active.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid (60–70%), and bright but indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or cactus/succulent potting mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seed germination can take 1–3 months with stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, misting bottle, heat mat (optional).
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds for best germination; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; avoid topping or excessive heading cuts.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased branches, and encourage denser growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; make clean cuts; remove dead or crossing branches.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Method
Remove plant carefully; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with added organic matter.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for younger plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if pot-bound; use fresh soil mix; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply slowly to allow deep penetration, ensure excess water drains away, and water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry partially between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or pine bark to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or browning of needles, needle drop, stunted growth, or bud dieback.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause needle discoloration or dieback; frost can damage or kill the plant.
Solution: Protect with frost cloth or mulch in winter; avoid planting in frost-prone areas; provide windbreaks in exposed locations.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause needle scorch, wilting, or reduced growth; water stress may exacerbate heat damage.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use appropriate fertilizer; apply at correct dilution; fertilize during growing season only; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in winter; dilute liquid fertilizers to half-strength if used.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may suffer mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume parts of Pinus canariensis. The plant's needles and seeds contain compounds that can cause digestive upset.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Pinus canariensis. The needles and seeds contain compounds that can irritate the digestive system, leading to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicPinus canariensis, or Canary Island Pine, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested. The needles and seeds may contain phenolic compounds and terpenes that irritate the digestive tract, while the resin can cause mild skin or mucous membrane irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Canary Island Pine suitable for cold climates?
A: No, it is not cold hardy and prefers mild, Mediterranean climates.
Q: Does this tree produce edible pine nuts?
A: Yes, the cones produce edible seeds, though they are smaller than those of other pine species.
Q: How fast does the Canary Island Pine grow?
A: It is a moderately fast-growing tree, typically gaining 1–2 feet per year under optimal conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Pinaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–14 days, depending o |
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