How to look after potted Christmas Tree?

ClematisMontana

I bought a little potted Christmas tree and was wondering firstly if any of you guys are able to identify exactly what kind of fir/spruce (?) it is, and also what you would recommend for care.

I have bought a bigger pot, as I thought it might not be a good idea to put it outside until Spring. But as it has started sprouting new bits in its current pot, I'm not sure if it should be moved at all?

I also worry about how big it could get if planted outside, and whether it is possible to keep such trees in pots all year round (if they just stay the right size for the surroundings, or if they have to grow or die...)

pansyface

I WOULD SAY IT'S A NORWAY SPRUCE.

http://www.dorsetdesignbuild.co.uk/dorset-christmas-trees/

IF IT IS, YOU CAN EXPECT IT TO GROW TO 100 FEET TALL BY 40 WIDE.

ALL CHRISTMAS TREES ARE MOUNTAIN TREES SO THEY PREFER COLD, WET CONDITIONS. KEEPING IT IN A CENTRALLY HEATED HOUSE WILL DO IT NO FAVOURS. THEY ALSO LIKE COOL ROOTS SO A POT IS NOT IDEAL.

IF THE GROUND ISN'T FROZEN AND YOU HAVE THE SPACE I WOULD PLANT IT OUT NOW.

ClematisMontana

Thanks for the quick reply.

I just worry that if I plant it outside now, when the weather is consistently at or around freezing, it will kill it - especially now that it has started growing.

I'm sure I should have put it outside before the growth, but now I don't know what to do! Wait for the weather to improve and gradually move it to cooler places in the house before going outside?

Doogie72

I bought a potted Christmas tree a couple of years ago.  Looks like the same variety as yours.  I re-potted it into a much bigger pot after the first Christmas.  It now sits out on the patio all year and we bring it in for Christmas.  Doesn't seem to take a lot of looking after and I've not had any problems so far.  Probably keeping it in a pot will restrict its growth somewhat but it seems happy enough for now and gets plenty of new growth.

Obelixx

Planting it out now would not be kind.  It needs to acclimatise so the fresh young growth doesn't freeze to death.   Put it in a cool, well lit room for starters then gradually increase the cold by putting it out by day when it's above freezing.  Bring it in again at night until the worst of the frosts are over - March or April depending on where you are.

It will want to grow huge but you can limit growth by keeping it potted but make sure it is watered regularly and fed every spring.   Pot on every couple of years until it's too big to handle as an Xas tree.  Then you'll have to decide if it's to be planted out in your garden - not advisable unless you have an acre or more, or given away to a forest plantation or chopped up and composted.

ClematisMontana

Thanks for the replies.

I may re-pot it this weekend if I have time, as I'm sure the sellers probably put it in the smallest one possible (and the pot is also in danger of cracking as it's bad quality).

I live in a relatively small house, so where it is at the moment (living room) whilst too warm, may have to be where it stays until the weather perks up a little (probably March for us, as southern England). At that point, we do have a hallway that is closed off from the house, no radiators, glass ceiling, so it's closer to the temperature outside, and I could move it there before it goes outside.

As long as it's happy in a pot, that's probably best. With a small garden and the neighbours with their small gardens, I don't think anyone wants a 40ft evergreen sprouting anytime soon!