0How it thrives
Watermedium
Lightfull sun
Humiditymedium
Min. temperature-35 °CJanuary
Only very rarely, a little water so the roots don’t dry out completely.
No feeding now.
It can stay outside. Wrap the pot (hessian, polystyrene) and keep it against the house wall, out of the rain.
February
Only very rarely, a little water so the roots don’t dry out completely.
No feeding now.
It can stay outside. Wrap the pot (hessian, polystyrene) and keep it against the house wall, out of the rain.
March
Gentle start: the first small drink once you see buds or new growth and it warms up.
First weak dose at the end of the month if it is actively growing.
The sunniest window (south or west).
Move it somewhere brighter and warmer and end wintering. Get it used to strong sun gradually.
It flowers next month – once you see buds, don’t move it any more.
April
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
The sunniest window (south or west).
It usually flowers now – don’t turn or move it, and log the bloom in your diary!
May
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Best outdoors: sunny balcony, terrace or garden – acclimatise it to full sun gradually.
It usually flowers now – don’t turn or move it, and log the bloom in your diary!
June
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Best outdoors: sunny balcony, terrace or garden – acclimatise it to full sun gradually.
Above 35 °C, shade it at midday to prevent sunburn.
July
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Best outdoors: sunny balcony, terrace or garden – acclimatise it to full sun gradually.
Above 35 °C, shade it at midday to prevent sunburn.
August
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry – more often in heatwaves, preferably in the evening.
Liquid feed every 2–3 weeks.
Best outdoors: sunny balcony, terrace or garden – acclimatise it to full sun gradually.
Above 35 °C, shade it at midday to prevent sunburn.
September
When the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry.
No feeding now.
Best outdoors: sunny balcony, terrace or garden – acclimatise it to full sun gradually.
October
Taper off gradually: very little by the end of the month.
No feeding now.
The sunniest window (south or west).
Move it to its cool, bright winter spot and taper off watering. Log it with one click in the Care hub.
November · now
Only very rarely, a little water so the roots don’t dry out completely.
No feeding now.
It can stay outside. Wrap the pot (hessian, polystyrene) and keep it against the house wall, out of the rain.
December
Only very rarely, a little water so the roots don’t dry out completely.
No feeding now.
It can stay outside. Wrap the pot (hessian, polystyrene) and keep it against the house wall, out of the rain.
Shield it from hot afternoon sun and wind (leaf scorch); partially defoliate bonsai in June.
Box elder – what to know
Box elder (Acer negundo) belongs to the Sapindaceae family (genus Acer) and is listed in our catalog under “Tree / bonsai”. Its needs – light: full sun; water: medium; humidity: medium. Frost-hardy to about -35 °C – it can overwinter outdoors in many climates. Rest period: cold winter dormancy. Typical flowering time: April, May. Moderately demanding to grow. It is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs. Nobody on Perfect Plants Club has added it to their collection yet – be the first!
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Box elder?
Moderately: water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry, and never let it sit in standing water.
How much light does Box elder need?
It needs plenty of direct sun – the sunniest window, or outdoors in summer, suits it best.
How cold can Box elder get?
Frost-hardy to about -35 °C – it can overwinter outdoors in many climates.
Is Box elder toxic to cats and dogs?
It is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
When does Box elder flower?
Typical flowering time: April, May.
What members’ data shows
When does it really bloom?
No blooms logged yet. If yours flowers, your data will be the first!
Average watering interval
Not enough watering logs yet. Waterings logged in the care hub feed this chart.
Tips and questions about this species
Acer
Care data is for guidance only.
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