Growing Conifer Trees Inside, Caring For Coniferous Houseplants: Best Fertilizer For Conifers İn Pots

The topic of conifers as houseplants can be complex. With a few exceptions, most conifers are not good houseplants; however, with the right care, you can keep certain conifer trees indoors. Certain coniferous houseplants can be kept indoors all year round, while others can only be kept indoors for brief periods of time before having to be moved outside.

Indoor Evergreens

Of all the conifers used as houseplants, Araucaria heterophylla, or Norfolk Island pine, is the easiest to grow indoors. The minimum temperature needed by these plants is roughly 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius). At the very least, place your Norfolk Island Pine by a window that receives lots of bright, indirect light; however, some direct sunlight indoors is very helpful.

If you don’t provide enough drainage or steer clear of too wet or too dry conditions, the lower branches will fall off. 50% or higher humidity is ideal for plant growth. Keep the plant away from any heating vents as they may cause damage and serve as a breeding ground for spider mites. When growth has slowed or stopped during the winter, do not fertilize. Instead, fertilize continuously during the growing season.

Conifer Trees

Certain conifer trees are only suitable for short-term indoor storage. For example, if you purchase a live Christmas tree for the holidays, be aware that while it can be kept indoors, it can only do so for a short while due to specific requirements. For the root ball to survive, you have to keep it moist. The problem with warmer indoor temperatures is that they might disrupt the tree’s dormancy, and when you put it back outside, its fragile growth will be vulnerable to frost damage.

Whatever kind of live tree you have, you should only keep it indoors for a maximum of two weeks if you intend to plant it outdoors afterward. By doing this, the tree’s dormancy will be preserved and its new growth will be shielded from the deadly winter cold.

During the holidays, dwarf Alberta spruce are also frequently offered for sale as miniature, potted live Christmas trees. Indoors, give your spruce full sun and make sure the soil never gets too dry. Once it warms up, you might want to move your potted plant outside.

Japanese Juniper

Japanese juniper bonsai is another conifer plant that is grown indoors more frequently. Spare your juniper from hot midday sun; instead, give it about half a day in direct sunlight. Keep your bonsai away from any heating vents, and use caution when watering it. Before watering, let the top half inch (1 cm) of the soil dry out. Although this plant can be grown indoors all year round, it will thrive in the warmer months when it is outside.

With good reason, a lot of people don’t think of growing conifers as houseplants! The majority of them are poor houseplants. The best option for growing indoors all year round is Japanese spruce bonsai, or Norfolk Island pine. The majority of others, which usually grow in colder climates, can only endure brief indoor survival.