- How do you water the indoor fir correctly?
- How often does it need to be fertilized?
- When are indoor firs repotted?
- Does a fir tree have to be cut?
- Which care mistakes are common?
- What diseases and pests can occur?
- How is the room fir properly overwintered?
Indoor firs (botanically Araucaria heterophylla), also called Norfolk fir, can be very decorative because they grow very evenly. Nevertheless, the trees, which originate from Australia, are not ideal houseplants for beginners because caring for them requires a certain amount of expertise. How do you properly care for the non-toxic indoor fir?
The indoor fir is not hardy, but can go outside in the warm season
How do you water the indoor fir correctly?
Indoor firs neither tolerate completely dry root balls nor do they cope with waterlogging. Always water the fir tree only when the top layer of the substrate has dried out. Never leave water standing in the saucer or planter.
Use soft, stale tap water for watering.
In the summer, the fir tree needs to be watered more often. It is also a good idea to regularly spray the branches with soft water to increase humidity. In winter, indoor firs are only moderately watered so that the root ball does not dry out completely.
How often does it need to be fertilized?
Fertilize with fertilizer for rhododendrons or azaleas during the period from April to September. It is sufficient if you fertilize the room fir every two weeks.
When are indoor firs repotted?
Every two to three years you have to repot an indoor fir. It's time for a new pot when the roots grow out of the top or bottom of the pot. Repot in early spring.
Does a fir tree have to be cut?
Basically, you should not cut an indoor fir tree, as it will not recover well. That is why indoor firs are not suitable for keeping as bonsai.
Which care mistakes are common?
- Too much sun
- too dark location
- too moist substrate
- low humidity
- draft
- frequent touching
What diseases and pests can occur?
Diseases rarely occur. Usually it is a matter of care mistakes, when the pine tree loses branches, the needles change color or the branches hang down.
The indoor fir has problems with root rot if the substrate is too moist. In order to avoid trunk rot, indoor firs should never be planted deeper than they were before after repotting.
Occasionally thrips may occur. Rinse the pine under the shower and then use a pesticide.
How is the room fir properly overwintered?
Indoor firs are not hardy and must be overwintered frost-free. However, they cannot be kept in the living room all year round because the trees prefer significantly lower temperatures in winter.
In winter, place the indoor fir in a bright, non-sunny place with temperatures between five and ten degrees.
tips
Indoor firs are not a substitute for a Christmas tree. Your demands on the location in winter are not compatible with the warm climate of heated living rooms. In addition, they do not like it when the branches are touched too often or even hung with jewelry.