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Repotting new Christmas tree

TheInconsistentGardenerTheInconsistentGardener Posts: 2
in Problem solving

Hi all, I've just bought a really cute Omorika Christmas tree from Sainsburys (2-3 foot tall) and I've been reading up on their care as want to keep it going as long as possible (Maybe even for next year!).

I've seen they need to keep cool and be watered with good drainage but the pot it's in is 1) wonky and plastic 2) full of what looks like bog-standard, no nourishment dirt 3) appears to have little drainage.

I was wondering if it was an ok time to repot it into a nicer pot with better drainage, or if this would stress it out? And if I do, so it ok to use the loam I've seen discussed on the web for nourishment? 

Advice very much appreciated as I've only ever been able to keep a basil plant and a cordaline alive (Sebastian, the latter of which is thriving in his new pot! Might have to buy him some tinsel to go with his new Omorika buddy.)

Many thanks

Nadia xxx

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 83,943

    I think you're right - put it into a decent pot with some John Innes Loam based compost, JI No 2 or 3 would be fine, with some added horticultural grit.  Put some crocks (pieces of broken terracotta pot or tile) in the bottom to aid the drainage.  

    Keep him outside as much as possible - he's a forest tree from Northern Europe and won't relish the dry conditions of living indoors.  When he is indoors it might be a good idea to mist his leaves every day. 

    Planted outside in ideal conditions he could reach between 20 -40 metres tall, but he won't do that while he lives in a pot.

    Enjoy and send us of photo of him in his new pot with his tinsel on image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • TheInconsistentGardenerTheInconsistentGardener Posts: 2

    Thanks Dovefromabove! I'll get started tomorrow. Once he's got a name, a new home and some bling I'll be sure to post a photo xxx ps good tip on the misting! 

     

  • DaisydayDaisyday Posts: 373

    I would leave it outside for as long as possible and put it outside again promptly after all the festivities are over. I have kept them going for a couple of years this way but I have never planted one in the garden. Good luck with yours!  image

  • GillyLGillyL Posts: 1,077

    imageCottage where my grandparents lived has two Christmas trees still growing that were from my bothers and my first Christmases I am 57 he is 53,they are enormous, but I love to see them when we pass, and would be sad if they were cut down, The cottage has changed hands several times, but the trees remain............image

  • hypercharleyfarleyhypercharleyfarley Posts: 345

    The tree sounds lovely!  However, it wouldn't be a good idea to change too quickly from the sort of temperatures you'll have indoors to the outdoor mid-winter cold.  If you're going to add decorations or fairy lights, the idea of "misting" could cause you a bit of shock/problem!  One thing you might be able to do is to keep it somewhere relatively cool in the house - i.e. certainly as far away from a radiator or open fire as you can.  Maybe only bring it into the living room (?warmest place in the house) only when you really feel you want to.  Otherwise it'll be happier somewhere cooler, and you'll maximise its chances of survival.

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