Drimys lanceolata is a flowering plant in the genus drimys. the species is native to temperate rainforests of southern beech (nothofagus) in chile and argentina. it is an evergreen tree growing to 30 m tall. the leaves are opposite, oblong-elliptic, 615 cm long and 35 cm broad, with a toothed margin. the flowers are white, borne in axillary clusters. the fruit is a woody capsule, 59 cm long and 46 cm broad, containing numerous black seeds.
About soil condition, Drimys lanceolata grows in well-drained soils. It prefers soil that is high in organic matter and does not tolerate heavy, wet soils. It is also tolerant of poor soils, but not as tolerant as it is of well-drained soils.
Not too different with other members of the genus Drimys, the Lanceolate has a high light requirement. If you want your plant to thrive, make sure it gets plenty of sun. Place it in a sunny spot near a window, and give it a few hours of direct sunlight each day.
The temperature condition that is most ideal for Drimys lanceolata to grow in is a moderate temperature. This means that the temperature should not be too hot or too cold. The plant is native to regions with cool summers and mild winters, such as the mountainous regions of Chile. Therefore, it is best to grow Drimys lanceolata in a location that has a similar climate.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 65-75%. The plant should be misted often to raise the humidity level. The leaves of the plant will show signs of stress if the humidity level drops below 50%.
Discussing fertilizer, this type of plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH 6.0-6.5. The best fertilizer for drimys lanceolata is a slow-release, high-phosphorus fertilizer. This will help to encourage root growth and prevent flower bud drop. Apply the fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer.
Pruning is an important cultural practice for maintaining the vigor and productivity of (Drimys lanceolata). Pruning influences the plant's growth habit, shape, and size, and helps to control its yield. The timing, intensity, and frequency of pruning will vary based on the desired outcomes. With proper pruning, (Drimys lanceolata) can be trained to produce strong, healthy growth and an abundance of flowers and fruit.
Propagation of Drimys lanceolata is by seed. Sow the seed in spring in a cold frame. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, taken in July/August and planted in a sandy soil in a sheltered position in the open ground, should root by the following spring.
Usually, the plant growth rate research has been conducted on young plants in growth chambers or nurseries. However, a study on the effects of different nitrogen levels on the growth of drimys lanceolata plants found that, in general, plants grew better with more nitrogen. This study also found that the type of nitrogen fertilizer used affected the growth of drimys lanceolata plants, with ammonium sulfate giving the best results.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew and rust. These can be controlled by fungicides. However, it is important to remember that drimys lanceolata is poisonous to humans and animals if ingested, so care must be taken when applying any chemicals.
Source:
Drimys lanceolata WINTERACEAE - APSA - ANU
JC Raulston Arboretum - Photographs of Drimys lanceolata
JC Raulston Arboretum - Photographs of Drimys lanceolata 'Suzette'
