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About Canada Balsam
Canada Balsam is a relatively rare houseplant 🌿 that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. They do best in long-lasting, direct light ☀️ and should be less than 1 foot from a window.
Canada Balsam likes soil that is good at retaining moisture. Your plant shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size.
Canada Balsam belongs to the Abies genus, and is native to Appalachian Mountains.
Taxonomy
Abies balsamea
Abies
Pinaceae
Pinales
Also known as
Balsam fir and Abies balsamea fir

How to care for Canada Balsam

How often to water your Canada Balsam

every 9
Canada Balsam needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot located in San Francisco, California.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.
San Francisco, California
51% Low

Finding light for Canada Balsam in your home

a window
Canada Balsam love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive during this time of reduced sunlight intensity in San Francisco, California ⛅.
Canada Balsam does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

How to fertilize Canada Balsam

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Canada Balsam after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Canada Balsam is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
Water Needs
Canada Balsam prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Canada Balsam requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Soil
Canada Balsam is very sensitive to dry soil, so choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil will still drain well and contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir or sphagnum moss.
Fertilizer
Canada Balsam grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Growth Pattern
Canada Balsam grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Canada Balsam can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 3a-6b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
The seeds of Canada Balsam can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.
Care Summary for Canada Balsam
Canada Balsam
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on your location in San Francisco, California, the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
