Pistachio

Family. Anacardiaceae.

Homeland of the plant. Mediterranean.

Description. Pistachio is a spreading, low tree with a lush crown. The genus contains both evergreen and deciduous trees. Depending on the species, the leaves can be simple and oval or complex - consisting of several pairs of lanceolate leaflets. In autumn, deciduous specimens paint their leaves in bright burgundy tones. Small flowers are collected in axillary inflorescences - panicles. Pistachios are dioecious plants - individual specimens can be male or female. The fruits are small - up to 2.5 cm long, oblong, pointed, when ripe they become yellow or red, appearing only on female individuals.

Height. In the natural environment, trees grow up to 5 - 12 m, growing slowly.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Tolerates a wide range of temperature conditions; in summer it can tolerate even the most intense heat with adequate watering. In the winter months it prefers coolness, but the room temperature should not fall below 10° C.

Lighting

Pistachios prefer sunny places with light shade on hot summer days.

Care

The crown of trees when grown indoors requires formative pruning. The tree will appreciate being placed outdoors during the warm season.

Soil

It grows well even in nutrient-poor soils with an acidic or alkaline pH.

Feeding

From spring to autumn, feed the plants every 2 weeks with complex liquid fertilizers. 

Purpose

Indoors, the pistachio is often grown as an attractive bonsai. The fruits of the plant are eaten fresh or lightly roasted.

Flowering time

May June.

Air humidity

It tolerates the dry atmosphere of residential premises well and does not need high humidity. 

Soil moisture

Young bushes require regular watering, adult specimens tolerate short-term drought. During the growing season, the soil should dry out a little before each subsequent watering. In the winter months, the frequency of watering is reduced.

Transfer

As they grow, replant them in fresh soil in the spring. The roots are trimmed a little when transplanting.

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds, which must undergo preliminary cold stratification for several months and soaking in warm water for 3-4 days before sowing. By grafting or stem cuttings.

Pests and diseases

 Rot due to excessive watering and insufficient drainage. Of the harmful insects, trees can be threatened by aphids, codling moth caterpillars, and scale insects.