The Thuja occidentalis, also known as the western arborvitae, is a medium-sized conifer with a densely branched crown that grows evenly narrow pyramidal at first and later becomes somewhat more irregular. With its reddish-brown bark and bright green, flattened twigs that turn yellow-brown in winter, this plant brings colour to your garden all year round. The scent that is released when the scales are bruised is characteristic and gives an extra dimension to this beautiful plant.
The Thuja occidentalis is a hardy plant that tolerates drought well and has therefore become very popular as a hedge plant. Thanks to its compact shape, it offers a lot of privacy and shelter. You can also choose to use the plant as a solitary plant and prune it into a specific shape. The 'Smaragd' variant of the western arborvitae has dark green branches and grows quickly, so that your garden will quickly become green.
With its characteristics such as a good growth rate, dense structure and winter hardiness, the Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' is an ideal choice for various applications in your garden. Whether you are looking for a hedge for privacy, a solitary plant for a special accent, or simply an evergreen addition to your garden, this plant meets all your needs. With the right maintenance, such as pruning twice a year and sufficient watering, you will enjoy this beautiful hedge conifer for years to come.
The Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' topiary - Tree of Life likes a sip of water
The western arborvitae, also known as Thuja occidentalis, is a beautiful conifer with many possible applications. This medium-sized tree forms a dense crown and grows evenly narrow pyramidal at first, later becoming somewhat more irregular. The bright green scales turn yellow-brown in winter and spread a strong odor when bruised. The thuja 'Smaragd' is a popular variety of this plant, with dark green twigs and a fine structure that is perfect for property boundaries.
The western arborvitae is winter hardy and can withstand drought, but does need regular watering, especially in the first months after planting. Make sure the root ball is well moistened and give sufficient water two to three times a week. Watering is especially important in spring and on warm summer days.
In addition, it is important to fertilize the thuja 'Smaragd' regularly, this can be done once or twice a year with special conifer fertilizer or regular compost. Pruning is also essential for maintaining the shape of the hedge. Do this twice a year, preferably in June and August/September. Make sure that you do not prune too short and that you leave the bottom slightly wider than the top.
In short, the western arborvitae 'Smaragd' is a beautiful and low-maintenance hedge plant that offers privacy and shelter in your garden. With the right water care and fertilization, this conifer remains beautifully green all year round and will make your garden a green oasis.
Summer
During the summer it is very important that this plant, when it is outside, is kept well moist. Especially during the warm days it should be watered every day, so that the root ball is well moist. On the less warm days this can sometimes be skipped for a few days. This is so important because otherwise the plant 'drinks' moisture from its leaves, causing it to become dry and eventually die. This should of course be prevented.
Winter
When winter is just around the corner, the rules are reversed! If the Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' topiary - Arborvitae is outside, it must remain dry so that the moisture does not freeze and damage the plant. The Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' topiary - Arborvitae does not suffer from a dry root ball during this period, it is in a kind of hibernation!
When the plant is kept indoors during the winter it should be kept slightly moist, so not soaking wet (as in summer), but just so that the root ball feels slightly damp.
General rules
In addition to the above guidelines, it is best to follow these rules:
First, give the plant a little water. If the soil is dry within 2 days, it means it needs a little more water. Adjust the amount of water until it still feels slightly moist between 2 and 5 days after watering, and almost dry after 5 days. If it feels very wet after 5 days, wait until it is almost dry and water again, but reduce the amount.
Spraying
We recommend that you spray the Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' topiary - Arborvitae with water weekly. However, we do not recommend this during warm summer days, so that you do it either in the evening after sunset, or on days when the sun shines little, because the water droplets bundle the incoming sunlight into small points that become very hot. These cause the leaves to dry out, or even burn through.
Aside from the detrimental effect of bright sunlight on wet leaves, misting has beneficial effects for your Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' topiary - Arborvitae . Namely, it removes dust from the leaves, allowing them to better absorb sunlight and appear more beautiful, and it deters certain types of pests.
Where is the best place to place the Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' topiary - Arborvitae
The Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' is a beautiful conifer that thrives in both sun and partial shade. This hedge plant prefers nutritious and water-permeable soil, so make sure the soil is sufficiently nutritious and the water can drain well. The 'Smaragd' has a light green color and looks beautiful in any garden as a hedge or solitary plant.
This conifer needs sufficient light to grow and thrives in moderate temperatures. Make sure the plant gets enough moisture, especially in spring and summer, to stay healthy and grow well. It is also important to feed the 'Smaragd' occasionally to ensure that the plant has all the necessary nutrients to grow and bloom.
Whether you choose a hedge of 'Smaragd' or a solitary plant, this conifer will certainly be an asset to your garden. The 'Smaragd' requires little maintenance, but with the right care this beautiful plant will grow into an eye-catcher in your garden. Choose the Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' and enjoy a green and lively garden all year round.
Light
The Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' topiary - Arborvitae is a plant that likes a fair amount of sunlight. It likes to be in full sun or half shade, taking in all the light. Is it indoors? Then it wants a spot near a window or where there is some light. The Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' topiary - Arborvitae requires at least 1 to 3 hours of direct sunlight per day
Wind
Make sure that the Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' topiary - Arborvitae experiences as little wind as possible. Wind can damage the leaves, causing them to die off more quickly. A little wind is no problem.
Temperature requirements
At least fully winter hardy during the day
At least fully winter hardy at night
Repotting, why and when?
Repotting a plant such as Thuja Brabant or Thuja Occidentalis 'Smaragd' depends on several factors, such as the rooting of the plant and the growth the plant is experiencing. In general, it is recommended to repot the plant when it is well rooted in its current pot and starts growing outside the pot.
The best time to repot the plant is in the spring, when the plant starts to grow actively. Repot the plant to a pot that is at least 20% larger than the current pot. Fill the new pot with fresh potting soil that is suitable for conifers and make sure that the plant is well watered after repotting.
When repotting the plant, it is important to treat the roots carefully and ensure that they are not damaged. Carefully loosen the root ball and distribute the roots evenly in the new pot. After repotting, water the plant generously and keep the soil moist in the first few weeks after repotting.
Repotting the plant can stimulate growth and provide the plant with new nutrients. By regularly repotting the plant and providing it with fresh potting soil, the plant can remain healthy and vital and continue to grow well.
In short, repotting a conifer such as Thuja Brabant or Thuja Occidentalis 'Smaragd' is best done in the spring, when the plant is actively growing and well rooted. Make sure the plant gets enough water after repotting and provide the plant with fresh potting soil to continue growing healthily.
General rules
When the Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' topiary - Arborvitae has taken root (often every 2-3 years) we recommend repotting it in the spring. If it is always indoors, it does not matter. If it is outdoors, it is not a problem to repot it in the summer, but we advise against it in the autumn and winter, because it will not grow and take root optimally then. This can make it somewhat weak, and possibly suffer damage from frost.
When you choose to repot your Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' topiary - Arborvitae, choose a nice pot that is twice the size of the root ball. Place a layer of hydro grains at the bottom of the new pot, for better moisture management. It will thank you for that. Fill this layer with some Mediterranean potting soil. This type of soil ensures that the Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' topiary - Arborvitae roots optimally and is fed. Then you can place the root ball on the ground. Make sure that the top of the root ball is slightly below the edge of the pot. Aim for a difference of 2 to 6 cm. This difference ensures that the water does not run off the root ball when you water it.
Every year you should replace the top layer of soil, because it hardens and 'wears out' in nutrients, due to regular watering and because of the sunlight on the upper edge of the root ball.
When the leaves change color
The leaves can get black leaf tips. This can mean that too much water has been released. Brown or yellow leaves can mean that too little water is being released. We then recommend checking this and possibly adjusting the watering. We also recommend making the plant a bit more beautiful by simply cutting off the ugly tips with scissors.
It is also possible that the Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' topiary - Arborvitae has been moved from a place with a lot/little light to a place with a different amount of light. This can also cause the leaves to discolour. The new leaves will be more resistant to direct sunlight.
How and when should you prune the Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' topiary - Arborvitae?
The leaves of the Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' topiary - Arborvitae will eventually wither. If this is the case with a leaf, you can simply cut the stem near the trunk. It is not a problem to prune an entire leaf with the stem of the plant. This is the way the plant forms its trunk.
How can I propagate the Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant' topiary - Arborvitae?
The Thuja Brabant can be propagated in different ways. This plant can be propagated by taking cuttings from healthy branches. These cuttings can be stuck in moist soil and watered to root. In addition, the Thuja Brabant can also be propagated by means of seeds. The seeds can be collected after the cones of the plant have ripened and opened. These seeds can be sown in a seed tray with potting soil and then transplanted to the garden.
With the right care, such as regular pruning, sufficient watering and occasional fertilization, you can enjoy a beautiful and healthy Thuja Brabant hedge in your garden for years. With its fast growth and winter-hardy properties, this conifer is a faithful addition to any garden.
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