Birches, with their white shining trunks, delicate branches and poetic charisma, are probably one of the most decorative trees ever. This is why they are particularly popular in gardens. If you long for your own small birch tree after a walk through the forest but don't have a garden, you shouldn't reject the idea straight away: you could grow a birch tree in a pot.
Can you grow a birch tree in a pot?
Growing a birch tree in a pot is possible by choosing a suitable tree species such as the weeping birch and caring for it properly. This includes a sufficiently large pot, regular fertilization, annual repotting in fresh soil and, if necessary, a bonsai pruning as well as regular watering.
Birch in a pot – Is this possible permanently?
Small young plants are sold at the nursery in containers or planters. Home-grown plants from seedlings or from many other methods of propagating a birch tree on your own usually begin their life in the pot. In fact, there is nothing wrong with keeping the tree as a pot plant. So you can grow the birch on the balcony, on the terrace or on a small plot if there is no large garden available.
Suitable tree species for keeping in a pot
The plants of the genus Betula are quite suitable for life in pots because they are generally very undemanding. Even outdoors, you primarily need unrestricted access to as many hours of intense light as possible. Add enough water and birch trees thrive almost everywhere - from extremely poor soils to the gutters of some old houses. Which birch you choose is up to your personal taste in terms of appearance. Weeping birches are a special recommendation because overall they do not tend to grow excessively large.
Properly care for birch trees in pots
While a free-growing tree doesn't actually need any help from its gardener - apart from access to sufficient light and water - caring for the birch in a pot is primarily aimed at keeping the tree small and well-formed. The less space the roots have, the less the tree will expand in height.
So that it still thrives intensively, occasional fertilization can help. Even if you plant your birch tree in new soil every spring, you will contribute to an adequate supply of nutrients. A regular bonsai cut (€26.00 on Amazon) also keeps your tree in shape. In summer, it is recommended to place the root ball in a water bath once or twice a week until no more air bubbles appear.
