The holidays are coming, and with them comes the time when we enjoy the decorated Christmas tree. Those who have chosen a potted Christmas tree will enjoy it even more, because they can then replant it in the yard or in the surroundings. However, for this to happen, you have to take care of that potted Christmas tree that you buy from the beginning; otherwise, you risk that it will not last, will dry out, and will not take root in the garden.
Unfortunately, every year it happens that these trees dry up, and people do not understand what they did wrong, although they took care of them. Yes, the Christmas tree, if it is a potted tree, you can plant it in the garden after having it in the house as a holiday tree, but you have to be patient and follow the necessary steps to acclimatize it from outside to inside and then vice versa from inside to outside. The potted tree is a living tree, so it must be treated gently. The longevity of the tree depends on the way it is cared for.
The advantages of a natural fir tree
- The unmistakable aroma of natural fir cannot be replaced by artificial aromas on the market. In addition, the aroma of cetina has a calming and relaxing effect and is often used in aromatherapy.
- The appearance of a natural tree is always more pleasant than that of an artificial tree.
- The natural fir tree is environmentally friendly. Unlike plastic fir trees, which, once thrown away, become a real danger to the environment, natural fir trees are good friends with the environment. Thus, a potted fir tree can be replanted in the garden or in a park, and normal fir trees can be transformed into natural fertilizer, consumables, or sawdust.
Disadvantages of a natural fir tree
- It dries quickly, and the branches droop, and the needles turn a yellow-brown color.
- You will find many needles under the tree, which you need to vacuum daily.
- They are sprayed with pesticides, which are toxic to children and pets.
- You have to spend large amounts of money annually to purchase a Christmas tree.
Adapting the tree from the outdoor environment he one inside the house
Choose a potted fir carefully, make sure it is grown straight and beautiful, and does not lose its needles. If its needles are falling off, it is a sign that it was not well hydrated, was not kept in optimal temperature and humidity conditions, or that it was transplanted into a pot, not grown directly in a pot.
When it has just been purchased, do not make the mistake of bringing it into the house immediately. The best thing to do is to keep it for three or four days, for acclimatization, somewhere in a bright garage, a veranda, or a closed balcony. In this way, it will gradually get used to the temperature difference and will not suffer a thermal shock. A potted fir tree, during this period, is in a dormant state of vegetation, and immediate exposure to heat will disrupt its biological processes, and it will start to grow in conditions unsuitable for good development.
Under what conditions do we place a potted fir tree as a Christmas tree in the house?
When you bring it home, it is recommended to go to the nearest garden supply store to purchase a moisturizing spray to minimize needle loss. We advise you to spray it with this spray both during the acclimatization stage and during the stationary stage in the house.
- It is very important that when you decide on its place in the house, you choose a bright place and away from heat sources. The place where the fir tree will be placed should be chosen as the coolest in the house, tand he right temperature should not exceed 20⁰C. If the air is too dry, it will affect it, and there is a risk of it drying out. A good place and an antiperspirant product will help the fir tree survive the conditions in the house.
- After a suitable location, I recommend that you place the fir tree pot in a galvanized container, a tin bucket, where it will need to be watered regularly. Make sure to place it in a vertical position using gravel or sand. Watering should be done daily, with a quantity of about 500-1000 ml of water, provided that the fir tree reaches a height of 1.50 m or more. Place a saucer under the pot in which the water can be collected when you water it. However, the water should not be allowed to stagnate in the saucer. After about halfhour of wateringring, the water that drains into the saucer should be discarded. This way, the risk of the roots starting to rot is avoided.
- You can also spray it on the crown, as the fir loves humidity, and ventilate the room daily. To know when a new watering is needed, it is recommended to check the surface of the soil in the pot. If it is dry, it is a sign that the fir still needs water.
- Conifers are outdoor plants, so they need low temperatures in winter.
- Do not use fertilizer while the tree is in the house, as it does not help since the plant should be in vegetative dormancy during winter.
- Do not overload the tree, do not use lighted ornaments that emit heat, and do not cut off the top.
When do we take the tree outside, and when do we replant it?
The tree should stay indoors for no more than 2 weeks. After 3 weeks, its chances of survival drop to 50%, and after a month, it has no chance of recovering, even if it is planted correctly. It is said that a potted tree can survive indoors for only 7-10 days, after which it must be immediately taken out to a cooler and brighter environment, sometimes even outside, otherwise it will start to dry out. If you notice that the tree is starting to lose its needles, then it is time to take it outside.
After Christmas, before taking it outside, the tree needs another acclimatization. For 4-5 days, the tree should be kept in a cool place, but with positive temperatures.
If the winter is mild, the fir tree can be planted immediately after it is taken outside, but only if the temperature is above 0⁰C. After planting, water it well. If the temperature does not allow, it will be kept in the pot until the beginning of March. The pot will be protected with bubble wrap or a jute material, so that there is no risk of freezing the roots. It will be watered on days with higher temperatures.
If you want to keep the fir tree in the pot until next year, this is possible, but in the spring, it will be transferred to a larger pot and given fertilizer for conifers.
