Spindle 'Chollipo' Euonymus japonicus 'Chollipo' (v)

Water

The Japanese Spindle 'Chollipo' should be watered deeply and thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. It does not like to be waterlogged, so be sure not to overwater. As a general rule, provide about 1 gallon of water per week during the growing season but be prepared to adjust depending on rainfall and temperatures. During the winter months, reduce watering since the plant's water needs decrease. Monitor the soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch feels dry to the touch.

Light

The Japanese Spindle 'Chollipo' thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It's ideal to place it in a location where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. While the plant can tolerate shade, too little light can lead to less vigorous growth and sparse foliage.

Temperature

The Japanese Spindle 'Chollipo' can withstand a range of temperature conditions and is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9. Ideally, it prefers temperatures between 50°F and 80°F. It can survive dips in temperature down to about 0°F but needs protection from severe frosts.

Pruning

Pruning the Japanese Spindle 'Chollipo' is essential to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or diseased branches. The best time for pruning is in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Periodic light pruning or shaping can be done throughout the growing season as needed.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Japanese Spindle 'Chollipo' is well-draining soil amended with organic matter like compost or peat moss to retain some moisture yet avoid waterlogging. A soil pH between 6.0 to 8.0 is ideal for this plant, with a slightly alkaline range being preferable.

Repotting

Japanese Spindle 'Chollipo' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to ensure the plant has enough room to grow and to replenish the soil with nutrients. If it's grown in optimal conditions and becomes root-bound, you may need to repot more frequently.

Humidity & Misting

Japanese Spindle 'Chollipo' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to a range of indoor environments. A level of 40-60% humidity is best for this plant, aligning with typical indoor conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light; water when soil is dry.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade; shelter from extreme weather.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

Japanese Spindle 'Chollipo' begins its life cycle when seeds are dispersed after the fruiting period and germinate, given suitable conditions of soil warmth and moisture. The seeds develop into small seedlings, which exhibit the plant's characteristic glossy green leaves with creamy white margins. As the seedlings grow, they enter a vegetative stage marked by rapid foliage expansion and development of woody stems, with this evergreen shrub maintaining its leaves year-round in warmer climates. Once mature, typically within a few years, the Japanese Spindle 'Chollipo' will start to produce small greenish-white flowers in late spring to early summer, which are often inconspicuous. Following the flowering stage, small pink to red fruits develop, which upon ripening release seeds to begin the cycle anew. Throughout its life, which can span many years, the shrub may be pruned to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth, and it may experience cycles of growth and dormancy annually, particularly in regions with seasonal climate changes.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method for propagating Euonymus japonicus 'Chollipo', commonly known as Japanese Spindle, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process generally takes place in mid to late summer. One would cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) long section of stem with several leaves attached. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting is then placed in a pot with a suitable well-draining planting medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite. To retain moisture and create a beneficial microclimate, the cutting can be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator. It typically takes a few weeks for roots to establish, after which the new plant can be transplanted.