I am new in gardening and I need help for Maple and Fern in pots

jana.ivanovska

Dear,

I just bought 3 plants and I would like to keep them alive (unlike other cases before). SO this time i promise to myself that I will take care in the replanting and take it really serious. But i need some help. We live in Amsterdam and i want to grow this plants in the pots since it will be on our balcony

I bought:

1. Maple (40 cm) and 2. Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum - Japanese Jewels (30cm)

i put it in the (half) shade for now. I need to replant it but can some of you advise me which  size pot should I use and which type of ground? And how often should be watered? And which activities should i do through the year to keep it growing (re-planting/new ground/type of feedings, should it be covered or inside in winter etc).

3. Dicksonia antartica (half shadow)

it is big but with few branches... So i will need the same advise as above.

I hope you can help me to give them the right start and to keep them alive for the next years:)

Thanks in advance, and every advise is welcomed...

Best, Jana

jana.ivanovska

Thanks for your answer Philippa !

We are living on the 1st floor and the balcony is like 20m2 4 walls protected space and it just doesent have a top:) it is south east orientation but we have shady sports where I hide the plants

I moved them from the wind step one!

I read that the Acers like acid ground with PH 7 so I am going to search for that type of ground.

Best, Jana

Fairygirl

Don't over pot the Acers either. 
If they're in 6 inch pots, for example, just go up an inch or so. If you put them into too big a pot, the new, fine  roots end up sitting in too much wet soil. 
They do like to be kept on the damp side, but make sure they also have good drainage.
Out of the winds as @philippa smith2 says - that dries out foliage, but also the soil in the pots.
They only need neutral to acid soil. In pots, you need a soil based medium, not just compost, so try and find a John Innes compost, or something similar. They are loam [soil]  based. You can then add some ericaceous compost to the mix.
A mulch of bark is also good for helping retain moisture. A good watering, then add that, if you can get it, and they won't need watering for a few days, but it's not vital if you can't get any. A little layer of gravel is also fine.
Don't water with a trickle every day - that isn't good for plants in pots. Water thoroughly