Taxodium distichum 'Cajun Snowfall'

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dybbuk Niles, MI(Zone 5a) Jun 05, 2008

I don't think many are growing this tree and I'm beginning to see why. It's super delicate....but I want to give it my best shot. The problem is the extreme variegation. As it's leafed out, I'd say it's 90% WHITE and very sensitive to sunlight. I had it placed in an area in which I considered dense shade (still in a pot) and I noticed some slight burn. Now I've moved it to where it gets no direct sunlight and it's looking very good.

My question is should I be giving it some sort of fertilizer to aid in what I'd call photosynthetically challenged? I wonder if it will be able to nourish itself. I'm not sure if I'm articulating my concern but if anyone has a thought, let me know. It certainly is a nice little plant with "special needs". If nothing else, an interesting novelty.

thanks....

Post #5056322
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ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) Jun 06, 2008

A balanced fertilizer added to potting soil when a plant is container grown just makes sense, whether it's an albino or not.

The level of photosynthesis will be governed by the plant's chlorophyll (I think that's right) which your nutrient regimen won't likely change. It sounds to me like you are providing the proper conditions, and by being portable you can rather rapidly adjust when observations merit such action.

Tough choice is going to be when you have to decide on its permanent home. Maybe you can plant it in an old convertible...or a missile silo.

Post #5061178
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dybbuk Niles, MI(Zone 5a) Jun 06, 2008

Thanks VV,

Albino is a very appropriate term for it. There's really hardly any green. I'll be surprised if it amounts to anything but it's quite a sight. I'll post some pics when I get a chance.


Post #5061615
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dybbuk Niles, MI(Zone 5a) Jun 10, 2008

Here's an updated pic of this little bugger. You can see some of the burn from a day with a little too much sun. He's moved safely to the shade. There's one green branch, a couple mixed and then the rest is pure white...

Thumbnail by dybbuk
Post #5081125
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redchic01 southern willamette , OR(Zone 7a) Jun 10, 2008

Wow, darn it, now i've found another plant that I have to get. I didn't need that. Thanks dybbuk!

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