Can I save my fir tree?
I received this fir tree as a seasonal Christmas thing and have messed up his care pretty badly. He’s lost a lot of nettles (evidently). He’s indoor but I’m worried his 15cm pot is too small. Can I nurse him back to health? Any advice would be really appreciated :) #DouglasFir
2ft to light, direct
6” pot with drainage
Last watered 1 year ago
10
Douglas Fir is a pacific northwest (PNW) icon that loves room to grow, lots of sun, and moist but well-drained soil. I’d recommend trimming the dead branches and repotting into a significantly bigger pot to let the roots spread. Make sure it’s well-drained and water regularly - it rains a lot in the PNW’s Olympic mountain range where these beauties grow tall and strong. Good luck!
@sarahsalith that’s so cool thanks! It’s definitely green, even some of what I thought was dead is still green, so I’m relieved :)
@BlackThumbed that's AWESOME!! Now knock the dead needles off it, repot it, put it in a sunny spot outside, and leaf it alone.
In my experience, these plants really need to be outside. They struggle instead of thrive inside.
In my experience, these plants really need to be outside. They struggle instead of thrive inside.
@sarahsalith okay okay! I’m so excited thank you for your help! I’m going to go get a big outdoor pot tomorrow.
Is there any weather I should pull it inside for? It’s very humid where I am and has been 32°+ (90ish Fahrenheit) the last week or so. Not worried about the cold months but want to make sure it’s not getting too much sun!
Is there any weather I should pull it inside for? It’s very humid where I am and has been 32°+ (90ish Fahrenheit) the last week or so. Not worried about the cold months but want to make sure it’s not getting too much sun!
It's a fir tree, so it can take some low temps, but until it recovers well, I'd bring it inside before the temps get near freezing.
As with the heat, just make sure you water it each day. It should be in a fast-draining soil and being outside in the heat will cause the water to evaporate faster.
I check on and water my little trees in pots (pre bonsais) nearly every day in June and almost every day in July and August. Those are our hottest months.
My plants come inside or go to the greenhouse when the temps are about 40° F or 4.4° C. The greenhouse doesn't get below 40° F as long as the heater works and the power doesn't go out.
I would overwinter your plant in a garage or something similar - some place that gets cold, but not freezing.
I have killed a lot of pines becuase I thought I could keep them inside.
As with the heat, just make sure you water it each day. It should be in a fast-draining soil and being outside in the heat will cause the water to evaporate faster.
I check on and water my little trees in pots (pre bonsais) nearly every day in June and almost every day in July and August. Those are our hottest months.
My plants come inside or go to the greenhouse when the temps are about 40° F or 4.4° C. The greenhouse doesn't get below 40° F as long as the heater works and the power doesn't go out.
I would overwinter your plant in a garage or something similar - some place that gets cold, but not freezing.
I have killed a lot of pines becuase I thought I could keep them inside.
@sarahsalith he will be moved outside! Thanks for all your help :)