Buxus japonica is a plant that is native to East Asia. It is a small evergreen tree or shrub that can grow to be about 15 feet tall. The leaves of the plant are dark green and glossy with a leathery texture. The flowers of the plant are small and greenish-yellow in color. The fruit of the plant is a dark brown pod that contains two to three seeds.
Related plant:
Buxus Microphylla Japonica
About soil condition, Buxus Japonica likes well-drained, fertile soil, but it is also tolerant of poor, dry soil. It does not like wet, boggy conditions. It is a slow-growing plant, so it does not need a lot of fertilizer. A yearly top-dressing of compost or manure is all that is needed.
Just like other buxus species, the Buxus japonica requires a good amount of sunlight to maintain its healthy growth. However, it can also tolerate shady areas, making it a versatile plant for many gardeners. When grown in full sun, this plant will produce more flowers and have a more compact growth habit.
The temperature conditions that are ideal for buxus japonica growth are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant does not tolerate cold temperatures well and will not survive if the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Buxus japonica prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 70-80%. It can survive in slightly lower humidity but the leaves will start to turn yellow and drop off. If the humidity drops below 50%, the plant will start to experience significant stress and may die.
For the fertilizer, usually the plant only needs a light application of a balanced fertilizer right before new growth begins in the spring. However, if the leaves start to turn yellow, you can give the plant a little more fertilizer. For the roots, they should be kept moist but not soggy. If the roots start to dry out, the plant will start to wilt.
Pruning is an important part of plant care for buxus japonica, as it helps to encourage new growth and keep the plant looking its best. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. It is also a good idea to prune back any straggly or overgrown branches to promote a tidier growth habit.
Propagation of Buxus japonica is typically done by rooting stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. Cuttings should be taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. Plants can also be propagated from seed, but this is a more difficult and less successful method.
Usually, the plant growth rate occurs during the spring and summer months. However, if the plant is kept in ideal conditions, it can grow throughout the year. The optimum temperature for growth is between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 68 degrees, the plant will enter a state of dormancy.
Common problems for this kind of plant are browning leaves, yellow leaves, and black spots on the leaves. These problems are caused by different things such as pests, diseases, and cultural problems. To fix these problems, you need to figure out what is causing them and then treat the plant accordingly.
Source:
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Buxus microphylla var. japonica ...
Buxus microphylla ssp. japonica; Japanese Boxwood
Buxus | Keywords | Elisabeth C. Miller Library
