BLESSINGS IN BLOOM: Indoor Trees are Extra-Ordinary

By Kerry Peetz

In this liturgical “ordinary time” of year, we Catholics have a case of the “in-betweens.” We’ve celebrated the birth of Jesus at Christmas and know Lent will soon be here, followed by his resurrection and the glorious celebrations of Easter. During this “in-between time” what is a gardener to do? This ordinary time with its bitter temperatures, and frozen solid ground, all we’re asking for is a little patch of green grass!

God hears the cries of the gardener! Why not try growing an indoor tree? Growing plants inside the home or office is a great way to bring the outdoors inside and best of all we can enjoy them year-round (even during the “in-betweens”). Growing an indoor tree is not difficult if proper environmental factors for each plant are met. The most important factors affecting plant growth and success are light, temperature, water, humidity, soil, and fertilization. Light is the single most important factor in successful indoor gardening. Plants use light as energy to make their food. Generally, the more light a tree gets, the more food it can make.

Fertilizer is necessary to maintain satisfactory growth with nitrogen being the most beneficial element. Trees need an ample supply of nitrogen and organic matter when grown in pots. You can add diluted liquid fertilizer once every four to six weeks when watering. Another option is granulated, slow-release fertilizer. Be sure to follow the directions on the label for rate of application.

Here are a few trees to consider:

• Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata). Fiddle leaf figs are picky about their surroundings. They want bright light and do not grow well unless they get it. A happy plant can grow to ten feet. Known for its large, glossy leaves, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is a trendy indoor tree. It thrives in bright, indirect light and can grow quite tall, making it a statement piece in home decor.  Unfortunately, they are toxic to pets.

• Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla). Native to Norfolk Island, off the coast of Australia, this tree can reach 200 feet tall in the wild. It rarely exceeds six feet in homes, although it may reach 20 feet if taken good care of. Norfolk Island pines need bright indirect sunlight but are sensitive to heat, so don’t put them in direct sunlight. This tree makes a good living Christmas tree.

• Citrus Trees (lemon, lime, and orange). Citrus trees are the best fruit trees to grow indoors. There are lots of types to choose from. Dwarf varieties have been developed to stay small but have delicious fruit. There are even varieties that have been grafted, so they have several different types of citruses on the same tree. Dwarf varieties of citrus trees like the Meyer lemon or Calamondin orange can thrive indoors. They need plenty of light (preferably 12-14 hours a day) and occasional watering.

• Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia). Native to South Africa, the bird of paradise has a unique flower that some think looks like a bird. It grows to a height and width of five feet, making it a good indoor tree. While the average home temperature is acceptable for this tree, they need more humidity than most homes provide. Use a pebble tray to create a humid microclimate around the plant or mist regularly. Place the tree in bright indirect sunlight.

Before we know it, spring will be here and with it the hope for the patch of green grass. We have faith that God will provide. He always does, never letting us down teaching us to have patience and trust in his undying love for each and every one of us.