Japanese Larch (Larix kaempferi) is a deciduous conifer native to Japan, featuring beautiful fall color and soft, light green needles. It's a fast-growing tree.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun
100% intensity
Prefers a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and form.
Regular watering
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially when young. Allow top inch to dry slightly between waterings for established trees.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Cold hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, down to USDA Zone 4. Protect from extreme heat and prolonged drought.
Light feeding
25% intensity
Apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent weak growth.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Japanese Larch prefers consistently moist soil, especially when young. Water deeply and regularly during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging.
Reduce watering frequency once established, allowing the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Pruning is primarily for shaping and maintaining desired form. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches anytime. Light shaping can be done in late winter or early spring before bud break to encourage denser growth.
Avoid heavy pruning, as it can stress the tree.
Japanese Larch can be propagated from seed, which requires stratification. For quicker results and to maintain specific characteristics, take cuttings in late spring or early summer and root them in a well-draining medium with the aid of rooting hormone.
Young Japanese Larch trees benefit from repotting every 2-3 years in early spring before active growth begins. Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one and use a well-draining potting mix.
This helps to refresh the soil and manage root system size.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Japanese Larch (Larix kaempferi)
Where Japanese Larch (Larix kaempferi) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Genus | Larix |
| Species | Larix kaempferi |
Similar in genus Larix
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
