Can you have a Liquidambar in a pot?

The Liquidambar is a deciduous tree that can easily reach 20 and even 30 meters. Because of this, we would normally think that it is a plant not suitable to have in a pot, but what if I told you that it is possible? In fact, having a rather slow growth rate it is easy to control its development by pruning.

So if you dream of having this beautiful species in your patio or terrace, do not hesitate to provide the care that I am going to explain to you. In this way, you can have your Liquidambar in a pot.

Acquire the tree

The first thing you have to do is obviously buy the tree, the younger it is, the better. The ideal size would be about 30cm tall. If you buy it that measures 1m or more it will be much more complicated, since with that size the liquidambar it is already adopting its characteristic wide pyramid shape.

Plant it in a wide pot

Although it is true that the idea is to keep it in a container, if possible, all its life, this does not imply that it has to grow in a space as small as that of pots of, for example, 10’5cm in diameter. It is a very beautiful tree, and therefore it has to attract people’s eyes, so that it is best to plant it in a container that is about 30-40cm in diameter and more or less the same depth, in semi-shade.

Use a substrate that has a pH of 4 to 6that is to say, acid, since it does not grow very well in limestone. To prevent it from getting lost through the drainage holes, first put a piece of mesh with very small holes (such as the anti-weed mesh, for example).

Water it and fertilize it

The Liquidambar is a tree that needs frequent watering, as it does not withstand drought. Thus, You must use rainwater or lime-free water, and water it 3 times a week in summer and every 4 or 5 days the rest of the year.. Likewise, you must pay it during the spring and summer with fertilizers for acid plants that are already sold prepared in the nurseries. Follow the directions specified on the package to avoid the risk of overdose.

Prune it from time to time

In autumn or late winter, it will be very important to prune it. A tree with few branches will not need a very large root system, so it will be able to live reasonably well in a pot. How is it pruned? Very easy:

1. The first year you have to cut back a little (1cm or more) the main branch. With this you will get it to remove lower branches.
2. From the second, you just have to cut the branches. Always a little bit at a time. Being a young plant, you cannot do drastic pruning because otherwise we would weaken it a lot.

Also, you have to remove dry, diseased and weak branches. Use a hand saw previously disinfected with pharmacy alcohol.

Enjoy your Liquidambar in pot .