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Hi

I was given a little potted Xmas tree two years ago which has lived and grown happily in the back garden since (still in a pot). I would like to bring it inside for December but don't want to kill it with the sudden shock of centrally heated dry air. Any advice or experiences to share please.

JuzaMum

Perhaps you could do the opposite of hardening off, ie bring it in for a few hours at a time, then put it back out, then extend the time in over the next week or so until it is used to the change.

Don't bring it in too soon. A week or so indoors at most. Bring it in gradually, into the coldest room, then next warmest and reverse the process after Christmas. Don't let it dry out (but don't over water either!) Position away from a radiator. Don't forget to protect the floor with a saucer/pot holder. Will you have a special planting occasion afterwards?

Hi

Thanks for the replies. I am going to keep it in the coldest room close to the window so hopefully that won't bake it too much. I would like to bring it each year for Xmas - it seems a nicer idea than getting the plastic one out the loft. I think I will treat it to a new pot in the new year. I shall start 'softening' it off soon :)

JuzaMum

That's a nice idea! The dangers are that you will wake it from winter dormancy, the buds will break then get zapped when it is set outside again. Or that it we be a 'dried' tree by the end of the festivities. Hope it works and you have a lovely family tradition for years to come. My potted trees are scattered around the gardens of houses where I have lived - some trees are really big now! (Ooops!)