Picea glauca ‘Conica’, often called the Dwarf Alberta Spruce, brings a classic Christmas-tree charm indoors with its naturally compact, cone-shaped form and soft, bright green needles. Its slow growth and tidy appearance make it an appealing decorative accent for entryways, living rooms, or festive holiday displays, offering the look of a miniature evergreen without overwhelming a space. When placed in bright, indirect light and kept evenly moist—but never soggy—it maintains its fresh, vibrant color, adding a calm, evergreen beauty to indoor settings.
Light
Place it in bright, indirect light. It can handle some direct sun, but too much heat from a window can dry it out.
Watering
Keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry. Make sure the pot has drainage so extra water can escape.
Humidity
This plant prefers cooler temperatures and moderate humidity. Avoid placing it near heaters, vents, or very warm rooms.
Feed
Feed lightly in spring and early summer with a balanced, diluted fertilizer.
Height & Growth Rate
Picea glauca ‘Conica’ is known for its very slow growth, typically adding only 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) in height each year. Its compact, tightly layered branches develop gradually, creating the dense cone shape the plant is loved for.
Toxicity
Picea glauca ‘Conica’ (Dwarf Alberta Spruce) is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Pets nibbling small amounts shouldn’t be harmed, but chewing on needles may cause mild stomach upset simply because the needles are rough. It’s safe to keep around pets as long as they’re not heavy chewers.
Air Purifying
Picea glauca ‘Conica’ isn’t a strong air-purifying plant, but it can still help freshen a room a little by making oxygen and giving off a clean, natural evergreen smell. It won’t clean the air as much as common houseplants, but it can still add a light, fresh feeling to your space.
John Cathon –
The plant is very beautiful!