Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Potted Xmas tree not growing at the top

coyskiEjXIrrJDcoyskiEjXIrrJD Posts: 4
in Problem solving
Hi, 
I bought a potted tree for Christmas last year, something we want to continue to use each year. 
We have notice its budding some new little shots everywhere, except at the top. 
Just wondering if this is normal, Im assuming not and interested in a solution to get this guy going. 
I just repotted (in ericaceous compost) as it was getting pretty cramped in the pot it came in. Im hoping that might help in some way.
Any tips?
*excuse the rotation of this image, this app is refusing to display it correctly. 


Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Not a plant I have experience with, but one possibility is that the top bit is dead.
    Hopefully not, but you can test by scraping a tiny bit of bark skin off with your fingernail almost at the top of the tree, just do it lightly in a very small area.
    If it's alive then you'll see green somewhere just under the skin.
    If there is no green, that bit is dead, so try again a bit lower down.
    It may just be a bit late coming into leaf - or should that be needle.. :)
    But if there's no green that part is dead.

    I can see tiny new shoots at the base of the bare part, so if the top bit is dead, one of those shoots should take over and produce a new top stem.

    btw - it's a long-standing site bug that rotates the photos, not you :)

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • coyskiEjXIrrJDcoyskiEjXIrrJD Posts: 4
    Ah great, thanks for the info. (including the photo info. Im new here :) )
    Yep my assumption is it is in fact dead. Those little bulbs at the top havent changed in the 8 months we have had it. I pulled one off and it seemed pretty lifeless :/ I might try the actual stem as you suggested to see if there is any green there. 
    In the case its just a dead stick, are there any suggestions dealing with it? Youre right (keen eye) there is fresh needle/bud growing from the base and I have seen pics of a new stem growing, albeit, a little wonky. 
    So Im wondering if I should cut this guy off. Seems, from what I can find on the web, that mightnt be a good idea.
    Cheers

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    edited July 2023
    I had one like that from Lidl. I had to prune the knobbly bits off to get a star on it. One of the shoots lower down has formed a new leader.  Cut the dead bit off  and a new leader will form.
  • coyskiEjXIrrJDcoyskiEjXIrrJD Posts: 4
    Ok great! I think Ill try it. 
    Cheers!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If it's in a pot, you'll need more than compost or it won't thrive at all. A soil based medium.
    They also need plenty of water - even if it's rained, you have to check that it's getting enough as it won't easily get through the canopy. If you want to keep it alive, make sure it has plenty of moisture over summer, and good drainage. Keep it out of full sun too   :)

    You can certainly take the top off, although it will alter the shape.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • coyskiEjXIrrJDcoyskiEjXIrrJD Posts: 4
    edited July 2023
    Thanks,yep, we were a away for a couple of weeks during that hot spell, I dont think that helped. Lessons learned. It is in soil, but not just added compost in a lager pot. Ill get some ericaceous feed as well.
    Im ok with a wonky xmas tree :) There is actually green beneath the surface 1/3 of the way up that bare stick, I might cut it there, maybe itll work itself out 
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Good luck! 🤞

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Sign In or Register to comment.