Abies balsamea is a plant that belongs to the pine family. it is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 m tall. the leaves of abies balsamea are needle-like and they are arranged in a spiral shape on the stem. the cones of this plant are ovate-shaped and they are 2.5-5 cm long. abies balsamea is native to north america and its wood is used for different purposes such as paper production, construction, and furniture making.
Related plant:
Abies Nordmanniana
About soil condition, Abies balsamea (balsam fir) is generally found in areas of moist to wet soils, but it can also be found in areas of well-drained sandy soils. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.0 to 7.0). It is a relatively slow-growing tree, but can live to be over 200 years old. The balsam fir is an important tree in the forestry and lumber industries. It is also a popular Christmas tree.
Like the other trees, the balsam fir needs sunlight to grow. However, it can also tolerate some shade, especially when it is young. The amount of sunlight that the tree needs depends on the type of soil it is growing in. sandy soils need more sunlight than clay soils.
The temperature condition that is best for the balsam fir tree is one that is cool, but not too cold. This type of tree is native to the northeastern United States and Canada, and so it is used to cooler temperatures. The balsam fir tree prefers soil that is moist, but not too wet, and so a cool temperature will help to keep the soil moist without making it too wet.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-70%. The leaves of the plant will start to turn brown and drop off if the humidity level drops below 30%. If the humidity level is too high, the plant will become susceptible to fungal diseases.
Discussing fertilizer, this kind of plant benefits from a low nitrogen fertilizer in early spring just as the new growth begins to emerge. A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer can be applied in mid to late spring. You can also side dress with compost or manure in early summer. Be sure to keep the root area of ??the plant free of weeds so it can compete for moisture and nutrients.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your balsam fir (Abies balsamea) looking its best. If you don't prune your balsam fir, it can become overgrown and misshapen. Pruning also helps to encourage new growth. When pruning your balsam fir, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears. Make sure to make your cuts at a 45-degree angle, and cut just above a leaf node.
Propagation of balsam fir is by seed. Sow seed in nursery beds or flats in early spring, keeping the soil moist. Gardeners can direct sow in fall, but the seed may not germinate until the second spring. Balsam fir can also be propagated by taking softwood cuttings in late spring.
Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to moderate. However, there can be significant variation in growth rates depending on the Clone, environment, and age of the tree. The growth rate of this species is often slower than that of other fir species.
Common problems for this kind of plant are canker, insect infestation, and needle cast. Canker is a common disease that can cause dieback and can be fatal to the tree. Insect infestation, such as aphids, can cause the needles to turn yellow and drop off. Needle cast is a common problem that causes the needles to turn yellow and drop off.
Source:
Abies balsamea habit: UIPLANTS - University of Illinois Urbana
Online Virtual Flora of Wisconsin - Abies balsamea
Species: Abies balsamea - Cornell University