Box Elder
Also known as
California Boxelder Maple, California Boxelder Maple, Arizona boxelder, Boxelder maple, Box elder, Ash-leaved maple, Maple ash, Manitoba maple, Elf maple and Ashleaf maple
Taxonomy
Acer negundo
Acer
Sapindaceae
Sapindales
How to care for Box Elder
Water
How often to water your Box Elder
every 9
Box Elder 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
Light
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 California Boxelder Maple in your home
a window
Box Elder love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Box Elder does not tolerate low-light 🚫.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Box Elder in your home 🏡.
Nutrients
How to fertilize Box Elder
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 Box Elder after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
FAQs
Box Elder is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
Water Needs
Box Elder 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
Box Elder 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
Box Elder 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
Box Elder 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
Box Elder grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Box Elder can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 2a-10b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Care Summary for Box Elder
Box Elder
Greg recommends:
Water
0.5 cups every 9 days
Placement
< 1ft from a window
Nutrients
Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
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