Light. Full sun. A sunny, open spot with good air movement keeps the foliage dry and healthier.
Water. Water regularly while it establishes. Once settled, it tolerates drought well.
Soil and feeding. Sandy or loamy soil that drains well suits it best. Avoid heavy soil unless it sits on a slope with good drainage.
Size. Grows to about 12 ft here with a natural teardrop shape; older plants can reach 15–20 ft tall and 10–15 ft wide.
Pruning. It does not take pruning well, because all the foliage sits on the outside of the plant. Site it where it will not need cutting back.
Problems to watch. Spider mites and bagworms can attack it. A fungal blight browns the interior twigs; prune out and destroy affected growth.
Good to know. It has low tolerance of salt spray, so keep it away from the beachfront.
Sources: UF/IFAS EDIS ENH648: Platycladus orientalis, Oriental Arborvitae
