How much sunlight does my Biota need?

Biota requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

What type of soil should I use for my Biota?

Biota does best in well-draining soil . A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!

Should I fertilize my Biota?

Biota grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer . Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

What is the growth pattern for Biota?

Biota will branch off as it grows. To encourage branching, pinch off the newest growth at the tip and the stem will branch off into two.

Can Biota be grown outdoors?

USDA Hardiness Zone Biota can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 6a-9b . Find your local hardiness zone here .

How can I propagate my Biota?

The seeds of Biota can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.

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Biota

Q: Is Biota easy to care for?

Biota is generally easy to care for , though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!

Q: How often should I water my Biota?

Biota prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly . Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

About Biota

This plant is tolerant of most conditions with the exception of wet, boggy sites. It grows as a dense, conical to columnar tree/shrub that opens up as it ages. Its leaves emit an odor when bruised. It is beneficial to good air circulation.

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Platycladus orientalis

Genus

Platycladus

Family

Cupressaceae

Order

Pinales

Also known as

Oriental Arborvitae, Oriental Arborvitae, Chinese arborvitae, Platycladus, Chinese thuja, Oriental arborvitae and Oriental thuja

How to care for Biota

Water

How often to water your Biota

Biota needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

Light

Check the growing potential in your area

A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Oriental Arborvitae in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Biota: 1ft from a window

Biota love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Biota does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Biota in your home 🏡.

Nutrients

How to fertilize Biota

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Biota: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Biota after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

FAQs

Difficulty Level

Biota is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!

Water Needs

Sunlight Needs

Toxicity

Soil

Fertilizer

Growth Pattern

Growing Outdoors

Propagation