Cathaya are tall-growing coniferous trees that are native only to China. Their common trait is that each tree produces both male and female cones. The small distribution of these plants and the fact that their wood is useful for different purposes has led some of the species to be classed as vulnerable.
Water:
Cathaya thrives in moderate moisture levels, needing careful watering once every 1-2 weeks to mimic its natural habitat's rainfall. As an outdoor plant in temperate zones, water uptake varies with growth cycles, necessitating attention during active growing periods for optimal health.
Propagation:
Propagation of cathaya mainly utilizes seeds, requiring cold treatment for dormancy break. Successful germination depends on consistent temperatures (15-25°C), light exposure, and well-draining soil. Careful handling of delicate seedlings is essential. Key steps include autumn seed collection, stratification for 1-3 months, and careful transplantation.
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