A "living" Christmas tree

I was recently gifted a living Christmas tree (= Mr "M" who latched on to the idea that it would be so lovely to have a tree which "grows" with us in our forever home and we would be able to grow it outside throughout the year in a tub, but have it indoors for the Season). Great!

But, now I'm growing a touch concerned (well, "fear" is a better word: what if I kill it? What if it's "doomed" )

So, my GC friends: what would be the very best way to care for this living Christmas Tree?

At the moment, it is in my dining room, sat on a pine chest, not in direct light (it's a pine, they don't all like full sun?). Should it survive, it will be re-potted into a tub which will sit on my patio (which, at this time of year gets NO direct sunlight, but, I'm convinced will get *some* direct sunlight during the height of summer). Alternatively, it could be positioned in the front of house with a bit more early morning direct light (year round).

The label doesn't have any enthralling detail to go by other than "Blue Spruce"

Any and all advice (as always) gratefully received.

 

blue spruce...
can grow to a height of 75ft....

could cost you a ££££ in decorations....
xx Jenny xx

 

I'll be dead before it costs me that much (Send bill to Mr "M" ).

So: best I kill it off now then?

 

No, enjoy watching it grow until you get an official complaint from your next door neighbour's solicitor,
Jenny

 

Blue Spruce (not Pine then ), sorry, these are stunning trees and not particularly fast growing compared to the likes of deciduous trees. Keep it watered inside the house, not soaking but enough so it doesn't dry out.

Once it's been moved outside, carefully re-pot it in spring when it begins to warm up a little (March time would be good), keep watered and if its still looking good past May/June it should be alive and well and will grow on for years to come

We did this with a Nordman Fir last year and its now planted in the garden after filling its new pot with fresh roots by August

One thing, when you do repot it don't be shocked to find broken thick roots if its been 'pot pressed', as long as there are fine roots there you'll have a good chance of it growing on. If it's been properly pot grown then you should have no problems at all

Good Luck

 

Treat it as a bonsai but remember that it is an outdoor one. It won't like indoor heating or being dried out. Get it outside as soon as you can and give it a little water every day. Light is important for an outdoor tree which is having an indoor holiday so a window position would be best but not near a radiator or other heater.