I bought a Cunonia capensis from Annie's at the local nursery and for some reason it died. I seldom ...Read Morelose a plant. I bought three and planted in three gallon black plastic with a test of different potting mixes. The 100% Miracle Grow did the best. The combo soils are almost as large so it may be the plant variation.
During summer I keep them on the east side between two houses even in cool coastal weather. Almost no sun. The fog dissipates the light. I water them heavily, almost every day and fully to drain any hard water buildup. I do have excellent drainage with rocks in the bottom then screen. I add extra Perlite, and some red lava rocks for minerals.
August 2015 they were potted. Originally 4” now 35” and the base trunk is 5/8”. The others are 27” and 32”.
August 2016 I repotted the largest to a five gallon bucket. The roots are very fine and matted but all still going down along the sides of the pot. The roots have no circular action. I used a gentle water stream on JET to loosen the roots taking off about 3” total diameter. This was all the root loosening I needed, none on the bottom. The screen removed any passing through it. I did pull off the loose extra side roots to promote new growth.
Here it is foggy and cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Central Coastal California about two miles to the ocean. All are in excellent condition with no pests.
Cunonia Capensis has many names: Red Alder, Butterknife Tree, Butterspoon tree and Rooiels. The plant, like its various names, is itself ...Read Morevery interesting – glossy green leaves with a tinge of red, spikes of tiny, white fragrant flowers, and spoon-like growing tips.
The tree in native to South Africa where it grows as an ornamental tree in temperate regions. In its habitat, it grows up to 20 meters though in cultivation it rarely grows taller than 10 meters. Thus, it is suitable for large as well as small gardens or landscapes as ornamental and evergreen tree. Butterspoon tree bears glossy leaves.
New leaves usually have a tinge of red. Flowers are white or cream and appear in dense spikes. These tiny flowers have a hint of fragrance and attract bees and butterflies. Flowers appear in autumn. The stipules that enclose growing ends of branches are tightly pressed together to form a spoon like shape thus giving the plant its unique name - Butterspoon tree.
Cunonia Capensis or Butterspoon tree belongs to temperate regions where it grows under full or partial sun and receives good amount of moisture. When grown as houseplant, it would require regular watering and bright sunlight but protection from both harsh summers and freezing winters. Butterspoon grows easily from seeds.
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I bought a Cunonia capensis from Annie's at the local nursery and for some reason it died. I seldom ...Read More
Cunonia Capensis has many names: Red Alder, Butterknife Tree, Butterspoon tree and Rooiels. The plant, like its various names, is itself ...Read More
I have a beautiful Cunonia. I want to propagate some cuttings. Any suggestions?