Choice of tree species
In principle, every tree can be cultivated in a pot, as has been done with bonsai in Japan for thousands of years. However, some species are much easier to keep in confined spaces than others, which is not only due to their natural needs, but also to their growth behavior. Particularly vigorous species are not always compatible with pruning, so that it is difficult to keep them artificially small. If you don't want to or can't invest too much care and effort in your potted tree, it is best to choose a species that has been specially grown for planters. These include, for example
- Column trees, for example column fruit, column huja and others
- Dwarf varieties of common species, such as the dwarf gosh (Fraxinus excelsior 'Abiona')
- naturally rather small species and varieties, for example the boxwood (Buxus)
- or noble varieties refined on poorly growing roots, often found on fruit trees
also read
- Which tree is hardy in a pot?
- How to cultivate a small fruit tree in the bucket - types and care
- Tree with yellow flowers - the most beautiful species for the garden
For example, the following are well suited for a pot culture:
- Common yew (Taxus baccata), hardy
- Dwarf pine (Pinus mugo), hardy
- Juniper (Juniperus communis), hardy
- Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata), not hardy
- Purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora), not hardy
- Japanese cake tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum), hardy
- Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), hardy
- various citrus trees (Citrus), not hardy
- Olive tree (Olea europaea), not hardy
- Pomegranate (Punica granatum), not hardy
- Fig tree (Ficus carica), not hardy
- Willow (Salix), hardy
- Pagoda dogwood (Cornus controversa), hardy
Tree species that develop taproots such as oak, pine and fir are very difficult to maintain in a planter.
Selection of the planter
For a future potted tree, you should not buy bare-root goods if possible, but young trees that have already been grown in containers. These are already used to the bucket culture and were not dug out of the open and repotted in a planter. A planter is ideally sized if it offers about twice as much space as the size of the root ball. It shouldn't be bigger either, otherwise the tree will put a lot of strength into the root growth. If possible, choose a pot made of natural materials, such as clay or ceramics, as the water builds up very quickly in plastic pots.
maintenance
Proper care will keep the tree healthy in the pot, but will depend on the specific needs of the species and variety chosen. Nevertheless, some general statements can be made.
Watering and fertilizing
Trees that have been planted forgive one or the other care mistake - potted trees do not. These depend on your care for better or worse, with particular attention being paid to the supply of water and nutrients. Make sure that
- there is no waterlogging, especially due to good drainage
- the root ball does not dry out
- there is no nutritional deficiency
- but also no oversupply
Over-fertilization can be prevented by using slow-release fertilizers.
Overwinter
Hardy trees can be left outside during the winter months, you should only
- place on an insulating surface made of wood or styrofoam
- wrap the pot with fleece or foil
- and move the pot together with the tree against a wall
On the other hand, not hardy woody plants should overwinter frost-free but cool at a maximum of 10 ° C. Shedding species can also be placed in dark rooms, evergreens need sufficient light even in winter.
Tips
Potted trees should be repotted in fresh substrate every two years, whereby the planter does not necessarily have to be changed.
