Background and Objectives
Cherry blossom trees are an iconic symbol in many cultures, with some cities even appearing on the UNESCO World Heritage list for their annual cherry blossom festivals. Although often associated with outdoor gardens, there’s a growing trend of people looking to replicate the effect indoors. Growing a cherry blossom tree indoors requires careful study and attention to detail to ensure success, but can bring about wonderful results.
This article aims to discuss the process of growing a cherry blossom tree indoors, paying attention to the necessary steps and elements to ensure successful growth. We’ll touch on the nutrients required, optimal environmental conditions, and potential illness and pest control. Read on to learn more about how to grow cherry blossom trees indoors.
Nursery Choice and Cherry Blossoms
The first step when growing a cherry blossom tree is selecting the right nursery. Depending on the species chosen, some nurseries specialize in certain types of cherry blossom trees. Generally, they need to be purchased while they’re still young and actively growing, as they’re quite delicate and won’t move well once they become a certain size.
Once you’ve received the young cherry blossom tree, keep in mind that even these early stages will inform the tree’s form. Cherry blossom trees can be trained to become a fan, an umbrella, or a weeping standard, so these are all decisions you’ll have to make early on. Additionally, cherry blossoms come in both single and double styles, with an array of available colors including pink and white.
Air and Soil Quality
The next step is providing the cherry blossom tree with enough air and soil quality to foster growth. It’s important to select the right soil, either indoor potting soil or a combination of peat moss and vermiculite or sand. An important component of soil quality is fertilizer, which will also keep the tree healthy and help it reach its full aesthetic potential.
In terms of air quality, humidity is important for cherry blossom trees. Wanting air to be between 40-50% can be hard to accomplish indoors, but can be done with the aid of a special humidifier specifically designed for use indoors. These humidifiers help prevent stagnant air, which causes condensation on the leaves that can partially block the main avenues of sunlight if the tree is in direct sunlight.
Sunlight, Temperature and Water Requirements
Once the air and soil quality have been established, then it’s time to consider the other components of an optimal growing environment for a cherry blossom tree. The tree will need to be exposed to an adequate amount of sunlight, usually 8-10 hours of direct or indirect light per day. If there isn’t an adequate amount of light available in the home, an artificial lamp specifically designed for plants can be a suitable alternative.
In addition to the amount of light, the temperature of the tree must also be taken into account. A cherry blossom tree needs to be kept in an environment with temperatures between 60 and 80°F, with a notable warning sign being if temperatures drop below 40°F. Finally, the tree requires watering twice a week and must be kept away from any type of water overflow.
Pests and Diseases
Like all trees, cherry blossom trees are naturally vulnerable to pests and diseases, so it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. Some of the most common pests include aphids, mealybugs and scale insects, all of which can be detected through their damage on leaves. Countermeasures against pests include natural repellents like neem oil, working to remove any eggs or larvae, and isolating the tree to avoid the spread of infection.
When it comes to diseases, the main ones include root rot and fungal infections. Both will manifest themselves in the form of a discoloration, either of the trunk or the leaves. Testing the soil can help detect levels of pests and diseases, and if levels are high, replacing the soil and applying fungicides can help the tree bounce back.
Repotting and Repurposing
The next step, moving from defense to offense, to ensure healthy growth for a cherry blossom tree, is repotting. As the tree keeps growing, the amount of available space and nutrients in the soil can become limited, so it’s important to repot the tree into a larger pot every one or two years. Repotting also gives you an opportunity to upgrade the soil, or even adjust the location of the tree to make sure it receives the maximum amount of sunlight.
Repotting and regular pruning can help shape the tree as well, helping give it the umbrella, fan or weeping style you desire. After the initial training, the tree can be moved around the house, although it’s best to keep the tree in the same room and not move it from one damp environment to another. Additionally, any branches or leaves that have been pruned can be repurposed for decoration.
Training and Maintenance
Cherry blossom trees respond somewhat differently to training compared to other trees, most notably due to the position of its buds on upright-growing branches. This means that certain training techniques wouldn’t work in the same way as they would with other trees and must be adapted accordingly. Trimming the branches slightly and pinching back the shoots and leaves should be done lightly, as excessive trimming can reduce the overall yield of flowers.
Finally, regular maintenance is essential to keep the tree healthy, especially if temperatures drop below 60F. Fertilizing the tree while cherries are blooming tends to work well and helps it regain the necessary nutrients. Make sure to keep up with fertilization and irrigation, as this will ensure the tree stays healthy and attractive.
Conclusion
plant care topics, Growing a cherry blossom tree indoors can be a tricky yet rewarding task as long as you take the time to understand the necessary elements for success. Hopefully, through this article, you can now better understand the steps required for successful indoor cherry blossom tree growth and maintenance.
