I grew this tree from a helicopter seed and I’m not sure what it is. As winter approaches, I’m wondering what’s the best way to take care of it. Should I plant it outside or keep it inside? Any advice on what I should do to help it survive the cold weather?
@Cairo
I do this every year. Just dig a hole and place the pot in it. It keeps the plant insulated during the winter. I’ve never lost one this way, except for the one my dog ate thinking it was a twig.
@Tobi
I have a red flame maple from a bonsai kit. Should I put it outside for the winter? I live in the northernmost part of the PNW and I’m not sure what zone that is.
Ren said:
@Tobi
I have a red flame maple from a bonsai kit. Should I put it outside for the winter? I live in the northernmost part of the PNW and I’m not sure what zone that is.
If it’s really new, you should keep it inside for now. If it’s a stick and had some leaves earlier, you can decide if you want it to be an indoor or outdoor bonsai. If you want it outside, you’ll need a frost-resistant pot, and make sure it’s out of the wind and snow. If it drops below 15F (-10C), you need to shelter it. I’ve had a Japanese Maple bonsai survive outside by putting it up against the wall during the winter.
@Han
Just to clarify, maple trees are deciduous, meaning they need cold dormancy in winter. So unless you can provide that indoors, it’s better to keep it outside.
Weston said:
@Han
Just to clarify, maple trees are deciduous, meaning they need cold dormancy in winter. So unless you can provide that indoors, it’s better to keep it outside.
For me, I turn on the heater just because of the rental contract. I would let the temperature drop to the point where it feels the same as outside, but that’s just me. Still, it’s good advice for anyone who wants to grow one indoors.
@Han
Yes, I was just clarifying for the person who posted this. I used to live in an old apartment where it was freezing inside in winter, and I definitely wouldn’t want to be indoors with those conditions!
@Tobi
What if you don’t have a yard, just an outdoor space?
Ali said:
@Tobi
What if you don’t have a yard, just an outdoor space?
You’ll need to stop the soil from freezing around the roots. Try wrapping the pot with fabric or a towel and cover the soil with wood mulch. Or, you can bring it inside when it gets below freezing.
@Tobi
I use the bury the pot method at our cabin. It works well for plants I can’t tend to during the winter. I can’t be there to adjust them for proper sun or protection, so I either bring them inside or bury the pot in the ground.
@Cairo
This is the right advice. Don’t worry about upvotes, the method works well.
@Cairo
@Cairo
How late in the year can I plant a tree? I’ve got a few in large buckets and think it might be too late. I’m in Northern Illinois.
@Cairo
Thanks for the help!
Leaving it outside is fine. Maples grow that way naturally.
Daryn said:
Leaving it outside is fine. Maples grow that way naturally.
It really depends on where you live and how cold it gets. A pot exposes the roots to colder temperatures than the ground, which could damage them if it gets too cold. I’ve read that the general rule is leave it in a pot if your region’s hardiness zone can handle -2 degrees. Otherwise, it needs to be insulated or brought inside.
@Mal
You could also dig a hole and put the whole pot in the ground to protect the roots from the cold.
Daryn said:
Leaving it outside is fine. Maples grow that way naturally.
I would put it in a sheltered spot away from the wind and move it back inside come spring.
If you want to plant it, do so before the ground freezes or in the spring. Red maples are cold hardy, but I’d recommend insulating the pot with leaves. If you’re in Michigan, temperatures could be cold enough to damage the roots if the pot isn’t protected. Also, cold winds could kill the tree, so try to shelter it. Be aware that rabbits and deer love to munch on seedlings in winter, so protect it from them too.
@Kai
I agree. A plant in the ground is better insulated, but it’s not freeze-proof. It still needs protection.