Acacias are magnificent deciduous trees that look great in your garden. Unfortunately, they are correspondingly demanding and require species-appropriate care. But if you know what is important when caring for an acacia tree, the tree will thank you for your efforts with he althy growth and lush flowering.
How do I properly care for my acacia tree?
To care for an acacia tree, it needs a sunny location in summer, cool winter storage, container storage, regular watering, low-lime water and liquid fertilizer. It is also advisable to cut them regularly and wear protective gloves to promote their flowering and branching.
Adjust the location to the seasons
So that the acacia develops its full blooms in summer, a sunny location is recommended. Extreme heat does not cause any problems for the deciduous tree. However, the acacia cannot tolerate cold. That's why it's important to relocate your acacia tree as soon as temperatures approach freezing. For winter storage we recommend either
- a cool, dark location with temperatures of 0-5°C
- or a bright, sunny location with temperatures of 10-15°C
In both cases it is possible that your acacia tree will lose its leaves. However, in spring it produces new leaves. When wintering, avoid being in close proximity to a heating source.
What should you pay attention to when keeping pots?
In order to make the change of location in winter and summer as easy as possible, keeping it in a container is recommended. This should provide sufficient space for the root formation of the deciduous tree and therefore have twice the volume of the root ball. Place the pot on feet to ensure ventilation of the roots from below. The acacia in bonsai form is particularly recommended for keeping in pots (€109.00 on Amazon).
Pouring
When watering the acacia, it is important to find the right amount. Waterlogging is not allowed to form, nor is the root ball allowed to dry out. Here are some tips for watering your acacia properly:
- you can recognize the need for irrigation by taking a finger test on the substrate
- spray the acacia leaves with soft water every two to three days
- you have to water the acacia tree even in winter
- If possible, use water with a low calcium content, such as rainwater or stale tap water
Fertilize
- A low-lime liquid fertilizer is recommended for fertilizing
- mix the fertilizer into the irrigation water
- In February or May you can use a slow-release fertilizer
- during the winter from October to January, stop fertilizing
Cutting
Regular pruning of the acacia promotes branching. The time directly after flowering is recommended. Due to the sharp thorns, you should wear protective gloves when cutting.
