The practice of using containers to grow fruiting and ornamental trees dates back thousands of years ago. For centuries, only the wealthy and well-educated people had access to such a thing.
In our contemporary world, we are thankful for big insulated windows that keep the household cool in summer and warm during winter. We also have access to an efficient heating system which has made it possible to grow vegetation from around the globe thanks to technological advancements designed specifically with this goal!
Potted trees from tropical and subtropical areas of the world are becoming an increasingly popular design element in our homes. For some gardeners, moving a tender tree indoors is just a temporary solution to keep it alive through winter months.
To grow a potted tree successfully, we need to replicate the natural habitat. The pot size and soil type are important considerations for planting your little friend in its new home!
Consider your personal preferences when making a purchase. You’ll want to consider the size, shape and texture of each plant as well as its toxicity level if you have children or pets in addition to any potential allergies they might share.
Bring tender trees indoors when the temperature drops
In order to grow fruit trees, you need lots of sunshine. If it’s too cold for them they won’t bear any flowers. The best place to grow your olive, citrus and fruit trees is outdoors — until cold temperatures arrive.
Palm trees are not designed to survive freezing winters. They can be safely overwintered indoors after a well-planned transition, as well as the tropical hibiscus that adorn your pool deck or patio throughout summer may be in danger of dying off when this happens, so safely bring it inside too.
In late summer or fall, when the nighttime temperatures are around 50 degrees and decreasing it’s time to bring tender plants inside for winter. Wash their foliage with plain water briefly before bringing them into your house so that you don’t risk transferring any pesky insects from outside onto valuable items like flowers!
To prevent further infestation spray these beauties down using a horticultural oil which will ward off disease-causing germs too.
Give them enough sunshine
If you want to keep your tree looking fresh all year, find a bright and sunny room for it. Most trees will initially experience yellowing leaves as well as leaf drop in order to become established; this is normal! Once they’ve adjusted from their new home-growing environment, they will continue with new growth accordingly.
Trees are usually more susceptible to damage in fall, winter and early spring. Make sure they are well watered during these dormant periods by watering deeply when dry or repotting as needed with fresh soil once temperatures start rising again.
If it’s not too cold outside (night time lows below 50 degrees) then you can transition your plants back out into their outdoor location at this point!
Place trees in the shade first, and slowly expose them to increasing amounts of direct sunlight. Add a few more hours each day until you are certain that this will not overheat or burn your tree’s leaves, until it reaches the final summer position!
Choose the right pot size
Growing your trees in the right pot means they will grow into beautiful and healthy trees. When you purchase a container-grown plant, turn it on its side and gently slide out of the pot.
If the sides of the roots are tangled up in some matted mess then just repot into another larger one! The new pot should be twice the height of an old one. It needs to measure about half-way up from soil surface and have a larger diameter than before, at least 2 inches bigger in both dimensions if not more!
Give your tree a makeover by giving it the best of care. A medium-coarse mix will provide plenty of nutrients and oxygen for healthy growth, as well as keep out harmful weeds that might steal all those precious drops from its roots!
Indoor trees worth considering
The most amazing trees are right outside your door! You can find all sorts of unique and wonderful options when you purchase a tree. Whether it is the banana tree with its edible fruit, Norfolk Island Pine for Christmas decorating goodness, or Madagascar Dragon Tree that is full of beauty (and birds), there is a choice for everyone.
Trees to steer away from
Some plants are toxic to children and pets. Choosing the right kind can make gardening easier for everyone! You should avoid: Dieffenbachia, Oleander, and Sago Palm, as these trees are toxic both to humans and pets.
There are also trees that cause allergies, such as Rubber Tree, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Weeping Fig etc. For this reason, it’s best to consult with a physician before making any purchases.