Black Alder

Also known as

European alder, European black alder, Common alder and Alder

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Alnus glutinosa

Genus

Alnus

Family

Betulaceae

Order

Fagales

How to care for Black Alder

💦 Water

How often to water your Black Alder

Black Alder needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

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

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Black Alder in your home

Black Alder love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Black Alder does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Black Alder in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Black Alder

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Black Alder: repot after 2X growth

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 Black Alder after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs

⭐ Difficulty Level

Black Alder is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!

💦 Water Needs

Black Alder 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

Black Alder 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

Black Alder 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

Black Alder is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.

⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Black Alder will branch off as it grows. To encourage branching, pinch off the newest growth at the tip and the stem will branch off into two.

🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Black Alder can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 3a-7b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

🌱 Propagation

The seeds of Black Alder can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.