How to Grow Potted Christmas Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Potted christmas tree is a beautiful addition to any home, and it is a great way to show your holiday spirit. This plant is easy to care for, and it can last for many years with proper care.

How to Grow Potted Christmas Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Potted fir
  • Potted spruce
  • Potted pine
  • Potted cedar
  • Potted yew

Good to Know

  • Potted Christmas trees are a popular alternative to traditional Christmas trees.
  • Potted Christmas trees are typically smaller than traditional trees and can be placed indoors or outdoors.
  • Potted trees typically need to be watered more often than traditional trees.
  • Potted trees can be placed in a variety of containers, including plastic pots, baskets, and barrels.
  • Potted trees can be decorated with a variety of lights, garland, and other decorations.
  • Potted trees can be a fire hazard if not properly cared for.
  • Potted trees should be watered regularly and kept away from heat sources.
  • Potted trees can be susceptible to pests and diseases.
  • Potted trees can be recycled or composted after Christmas.
  • Potted trees can be an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional Christmas trees.

Related plant:
Potted Shrubs

Growing Steps

  1. For potted christmas tree, first step is to find a healthy tree.
  2. Once you have found a healthy tree, the next step is to pot it.
  3. The tree should be potted in a well-draining pot.
  4. Place the tree in a location where it will receive indirect sunlight.
  5. Water the tree when the soil feels dry to the touch.
  6. Apply a fertilizer formulated for potted plants every few weeks.
  7. Once the tree has grown to the desired size, prune it to maintain its shape.
  8. When the tree is no longer wanted, it can be replanted in the ground.
  9. If the tree is going to be used as a Christmas tree, it should be brought indoors a few weeks before Christmas.
  10. When Christmas is over, the tree can be disposed of.

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, for a potted Christmas tree, the tree will need a moist, but well-drained soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy. To check the soil moisture, stick your finger into the soil. If the soil is dry several inches below the surface, it's time to water the tree.

Light requirement

So, like the other plants, potted Christmas trees need sunlight to grow. They should be placed in a sunny spot near a window where they will receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. If you don't have a spot like this in your home, you can supplement with grow lights.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition for a potted christmas tree is cool. The tree should be kept in a cool, shady spot outdoors or in a cool room indoors. If the tree is kept in a warm room, it will need to be watered more often.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40% and 60%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will drop and the plant will eventually die. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, this plant doesn't need much. In fact, too much fertilizer will burn the roots and damage the tree. A light application of a balanced fertilizer once a month is all that's needed to keep your tree healthy.

About light

Pruning a potted Christmas tree is a necessary step in keeping your tree healthy and happy. While it may seem daunting, pruning is actually quite easy. Simply follow these steps and you'll have a beautifully pruned tree in no time. 1. Start by removing any dead or dying branches. These can be easily identified by their dry, brown appearance. 2. Next, trim back any branches that are longer than the others. This will help to create a more uniform shape. 3. Finally, prune any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. This will help to prevent damage and keep your tree looking its best. With just a bit of care and attention, you can keep your potted Christmas tree looking its best for years to come.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. Christmas trees can be propagated from cuttings or by grafting. To take a cutting, choose a healthy branch from the Christmas tree and cut it at a 45-degree angle just below a node. Dip the cut end of the branch in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with moistened, sterile potting mix. Keep the cutting humid by covering it with a plastic bag. In 4-6 weeks, the cutting should have rooted and can be transplanted to a larger pot. To graft a Christmas tree, cut a 2-inch length of branch from the desired tree. Make a matching cut on a branch of the rootstock tree. Join the two cuts together with grafting tape or parafilm and wait for the graft to heal. Once the graft has healed, the rootstock branch can be cut off just below the graft. The new branch will continue to grow and produce a Christmas tree.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the pot size. A 12-inch pot will result in a 2 to 3-foot tree, while a 6-inch pot will only grow a foot-tall tree. Fertilizer and soil type also play a role in growth rate. A potted christmas tree in rich, organic soil with regular fertilizer will grow faster than one lacking these necessities.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that it can get too much sun and heat, causing the leaves to turn yellow and the needles to fall off. If the tree is not getting enough water, the leaves will also turn yellow and the needles will fall off.

List to Know

  • If you are growing your potted Christmas tree plant indoors, place it in a sunny spot near a window.
  • Water your plant regularly, making sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  • Feed your plant monthly with a general-purpose fertilizer.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it looking neat and tidy.
  • If you live in a colder climate, you may need to protect your plant from the cold weather by bringing it indoors or placing it in a sheltered spot outdoors.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and take action if you spot any problems.
  • Once your plant has grown to the desired size, you can start to enjoy its festive foliage!
  • To keep your plant looking its best, mist it regularly with water.
  • If you plan to keep your potted Christmas tree plant for many years, repot

Similar Plants

  • Ageratum, or Floss Flower
  • Aster
  • Bell, or Bells of Ireland
  • Celosia, or Cockscomb
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Cornflower
  • Cineraria
  • Cosmos
  • Dahlia
  • Delphinium

Source:
2017 – Christmas Trees: Care for Living Trees – PlantTalk Colorado
Christmas Trees | OSU Extension Service
Christmas Trees | Mississippi State University Extension Service

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Trees Category