Spindle tree 'Green Spire' Euonymus japonicus 'Green Spire'

Water

Japanese Spindle or Green Spire should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering about once every 7-10 days. The amount of water needed can vary, but generally, a gallon every week for outdoor plants and slightly less for indoor plants is sufficient. During the growing season in spring and summer, they may require more frequent watering, and less in the winter months when the plant's growth slows down. It's important to water slowly, directly onto the soil to allow the water to reach the roots evenly without causing runoff.

Light

Japanese Spindle prefers a location with partial to full sun exposure. An ideal spot would have morning sun and some afternoon shade or filtered light to protect it from the intense midday sun. Indoor plants should be placed near an east or south-facing window where they can receive bright, indirect light for the majority of the day.

Temperature

Japanese Spindle thrives best in a temperature range between 50°F and 80°F. This plant can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 10°F but should be protected from severe cold. The ideal conditions are moderate and stable temperatures without drastic fluctuations.

Pruning

Pruning Japanese Spindle helps maintain its shape, promote denser foliage, and remove any dead or diseased branches. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning can be done annually, as needed, to keep the desired shape and size. Occasional thinning of the interior branches may also be beneficial to allow light and air to penetrate the canopy, which can improve the plant's health.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Japanese Spindle 'Green Spire' prefers well-drained soil with a mix of two parts peat, one part perlite, and one part pine bark. The optimal soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.

Repotting

Japanese Spindle 'Green Spire' should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Choose a slightly larger pot and repot in spring or early summer.

Humidity & Misting

Japanese Spindle 'Green Spire' thrives in moderate humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%. It can tolerate lower humidity, but consistent levels help maintain plant health.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Japanese Spindle 'Green Spire' in bright, indirect light indoors with moderate humidity.

• Outdoor

  Plant Japanese Spindle 'Green Spire' in partial shade to full sun, sheltered from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

Euonymus japonicus 'Green Spire', also known as Japanese Spindle 'Green Spire', begins its life as a seed, which germinates to produce a small seedling. The seedling, given appropriate light and moisture conditions, grows into a young plant with a basic structure of roots, stem, and leaves. As it matures, it develops a woody stem and a dense, bushy habit with evergreen leaves that can be shaped through pruning, making it popular for hedging. Upon entering the reproductive stage, the plant produces small, insignificant greenish-white flowers, usually in mid-spring to early summer, followed by fruit in the form of seed-containing pink to red capsules that attract birds. The seeds from these fruit can then disperse to initiate a new life cycle. Throughout its life, which can span several decades, the plant experiences periods of active growth in spring and summer, followed by dormancy in winter, during which growth slows or ceases.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Euonymus japonicus 'Green Spire', commonly known as Japanese Spindle 'Green Spire', is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is most effectively undertaken in the late summer. To propagate, one should select healthy, semi-hardwood stems from the current year's growth and cut them to a length of 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters). The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is treated with a rooting hormone to promote root growth. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the soil stays moist but not soggy. A plastic bag or a propagator can be used to cover the cutting, creating a humid environment that encourages rooting. Within a few weeks to months, the cuttings should develop roots and can eventually be transplanted to a permanent location.