Fitzroya cupressoides: all about the second oldest tree in the world

Trees usually reach impressive heights. If we start from the fact that an average human being measures between 1,60 and 1,85 meters, it is inevitable that we feel small before the greatness of these plants. But there is one in particular that grows in America that can reach up to 57 meters, that is, more than triple what the species that we are used to growing in gardens and orchards usually grow. His name is Fitzroya cupressoides.

One of its common names is Patagonian larch, although it must be borne in mind that it is not related to larch trees; in fact, for this reason it is also called the false cypress of Patagonia. Let’s know more about him.

Origin of the Patagonian larch

It is a tree that grows only in the Andes mountain rangesouthwest of South America. It is a forest species that lives between 700 and 1500 meters of altitude, in areas where it rains frequently. In fact, the best specimens are those found in areas where a minimum of 2000mm of precipitation is recorded per year, on very humid soils.

Its growth rate is very slow, but as with this type of plant, it is also very long-lived.. Moreover, a tree found in the Alerce Costero National Park, in Chile, in 1993 was already more than 3620 years old.

How is the Fitzroya cupressoides?

It is an evergreen tree that can exceed 50 meters, but it usually grows “only” 40-45 meters. It develops a straight and robust trunk, which over the years reaches about 2 meters in diameter. The crown is narrow, little branched, and composed of scaly green leaves.

If we take into account these characteristics, it is not a plant that is frequently grown in gardens. It takes a lot of space but also time; so if we want to have it and make future generations enjoy it, it is very important that we try to ensure that it does not lack anything.

What do you need to be okay?

The Patagonian larch is a tree that can be magnificent in a park or in a large garden. Although it must also be said that, due to its slow growth, it is possible to keep it in a pot for years, and in the meantime, decorate a patio or terrace with it.

So, let’s see how to take care of it:

Weather

It is a plant that lives in a place where temperatures are warm for much of the year, but very cold in winter. Remember that he lives in the Andes, in a mountainous area, so he is more than prepared to withstand intense frosts, but not so much extreme heat. In fact, it is not recommended to grow in those places where the climate is warm or mild, since it would not survive.

Location

On the outside alwaysnot only because of what we have just mentioned, but also because it is a tree that needs to feel the wind, the rainwater on its leaves, the snow … And, furthermore, it is large: even and in the hypothetical case that it survives in interior (which is impossible considering the climatic conditions in its place of origin), later or later it would end up touching the ceiling.

Earth

The Patagonian larch is a plant that lives in rich, fertile, well-drained soilsIt can even live in those that remain wet for a long time. But if you are going to have it in a pot it is very important that you put a substrate, or a mixture of substrates, that is light like this one. here!, since otherwise the roots could drown if they received more water than they need.

Irrigation

You have to water the tree frequentlytaking care that the earth does not remain dry for a long time. In summer it will be watered 3 or 4 times a week, depending on the weather conditions, and if it rains little or nothing, it will need more water than if it rains frequently.

During the fall and winter there will be less watering, but everything will also depend on the climate in our area. Of course, it is very important that every time you have to water, you pour in the water that is necessary so that the soil is very moist.

Subscriber

It must be paid regularly, during spring and summer. You have to start when the frosts end, and continue until the temperatures begin to drop below 15ºC. And what to wear? Well, the best are natural products, such as cow manure, guano (for sale here!), compost, egg and banana shells, … Organic fertilizers They are ideal for our plants to grow healthy.

Multiplication

Image – Wikimedia / Themodoccypress

The Fitzroy cupressoids multiplies by seeds. These are sown during the winter, in a seedbed outside, since they need to spend several months of cold before germinating.

Rusticity

It is a tree that supports very well frosts of up to -18ºCbut not temperatures over 30ºC.

What uses does it have?

It is a plant that in its places of origin is given several uses, which are:

• To make tiles: the wood is resistant to rotting, so it is split into long and thin boards with which shingles are made.
• Like money: Wood until the 1990s was used in Chile as a unit of payment.
• Incense substitute: the resin is used in religious ceremonies.

But in the West we only have it as a decorative plant. It is not well known yet, and as it prefers to live in temperate-cold climates it is not easy to find it.

Did you know the Fitzroya cupressoides?