Boojum trees require very little water once established. Water once a week during the winter growing season, and reduce or limit irrigation in the dormant summer period. If sited in the ground, water is only necessary every 2-3 weeks. Plants will signal dehydration by developing yellow or brown foliage, or by dropping leaves. Increase irrigation if necessary.Site in a sandy, well-draining soil with an acidic pH - preferably around 4.5 - and provide a cactus or succulent soil supplemented with sand, gravel, or decomposed granite to aid drainage. If growing as a container-plant, ensure that adequate nutrition is provided by siting in a semi-rich substrate, and feeding in February with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Young boojum should be given partial shade to protect delicate new growth. However, mature F. columnaris require full sun in order to thrive. Protect from cold temperatures - the species is tolerant to 25-40°F, USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11. However, Although large specimens can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F, less developed boojum should not be exposed to temperatures below 32°F for more than brief overnight periods.
The boojum tree can only be propagated through seed – however, seeds are often difficult to find, and germination rates are inconsistent. At the same time, the species is very slow growing, requiring 10-20 years to reach one foot in height. Then, it takes another 15-20 years to reach ten feet tall.
