
Black Alder
Also known as
European alder, European black alder, Common alder and Alder
Taxonomy
Alnus glutinosa
Alnus
Betulaceae
Fagales

How to care for Black Alder

How often to water your Black Alder

every 9
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

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.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Black Alder in your home

a window
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 🏡.

How to fertilize Black Alder

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.

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.
Care Summary for Black Alder
Black Alder
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 1ft from a window

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