Can I grow any trees in pots...

Imperfect Ending

...If they give it the right care?

Thank you very much.

sueann

I'm not a tree expert at all IE, but I have grown a few trees in pots and they seem to be fine for awhile. I usually just do it till they're healthy and strong then plant them out though.

I do have 3 leptospermum's in wine barrels and they've been there for about 3 years and are healthy as, plus I have camellia's in pots that are about 5 years old, they're standards and look great. I have 3 huge ficus trees in big pots that were given to me and they're ok as well, 5 conifers too that look great on the verandah and have been there around 5 years. I don't think I'm going to plant any of them out anytime soon as they seem just fine.


Anyway, look, I found this link that seemed to be helpful but some of the blokes here know a bit about trees so they can help you out more.


Choosing trees suitable for planters, growing trees in patio pots and tubs

Bowani Siam

Most well-branched trees can be grown in pots, however some of the larger, single-trunked species will probably just become taller and leggier after a while. Also, long-term pot culture of many tree spp. leads to a crummy root system. Not suited to being planted out in the ground down the track!

Dbill

yes you can grow trees in pots. my mother has had a grapefruit tree potted for around 30 years. after a while they will get rootbound so you have to options at that piont. you can either get a bigger pot, or cut the bottom third of the roots off flat across with a hack saw then just put new soil back in the bottom of the pot. her tree has all kinds of character after 30 years worth of trimming. ill try to get out to their house and gets some pics up of it

Jeff Darby

Trees are much better grown in the ground, but can be grown in pots as long as you transplant the sapling to an appropriate size pot before your tree becomes root bound.

You need to consider the condition of the growing medium as well as your sapling grows larger and larger, while all of this is happening you need to select a permanent spot in your garden for it's long term home.

Select smaller growing trees for your pot, and maintain it..

Hope this helps
JayD

__________________

Member: Australian Tree Association

Join the Australian Tree Association...Have your voice heard !

Arboriculture, A life long study for some, a passing phase for others

© Jeffrey J Darby 2011

Eric Frei

Potting up or root pruning is required .... the reason why bonsais live so long, prune roots. Prune them clean, sharp tools, square cuts and innoculate with trichoderma to assist in keeping pathogens away.

Try not to prune more than 30% of the roots at a time, prune at furthest extremities from the trunk.

Soil in pots will be consumed by the tree, ever pulled a sick tree out of the pot and all you see is white roots and hardly any soil? That's what happens, so don't be a chicken and have a gander every now and then. For smaller roots secatuers are best, do not put in fertilizer or compost style soil as root burning can occur.

Be aware that potting mix can turn hydrophobic so use a wetting agent, try to use organic fertilizers and soil conditioners.

__________________