Silver Birch.

brenda.gopsill70546 · 11 February

I have a 12ft Silver Birch grown from seed in a large pot. I need to transfer to larger pot, what size pot do I need? I have large roadside trees down Southside of garden so sunlight restricted, hence tree needs to go in dappled area where I cannot put it in ground.

Ceres · 11 February

Welcome to the forum.

What size pot is it in at present?

Plantminded · 11 February

This link has some recommendations which might help you:

https://mikesbackyardgarden.org/silver-birch-tree-container/

Redwing · 11 February

If it's 12', it needs to be planted in the groundIMO.

Fairygirl · 12 February

I would agree re getting it in the ground if it's that size @brenda.gopsill70546 . You'd need a very big container for it otherwise - at least a couple of feet, or more, in each direction, and also the skill to keep it maintained and healthy in future. The soil mix it's growing in is also a factor. It needs to be mainly soil, but with adequate drainage. They're perfectly happy with loads of moisture, but that doesn't mean they like being waterlogged.
The root system will want to keep growing to allow the tree to mature properly, and that means having enough room and nutrients/moisture for that to happen. That's far harder to achieve in a container, although it will naturally be limited in eventual size because of that

Loxley · 12 February

Assuming you want to keep the tree potted and restrict it's growth somewhat, choose a pot about 1.2x the current width of the pot. Or, the sort of size you could place the original pot inside with just enough room to fit your hand in the gap between the two. I would prune congested circling roots and shake off old potting medium before repotting with fresh soil based compost in the new pot.

brenda.davies802Gv2PqzR · 12 February

My Silver Birch is in a 35cm pot and has grown very well and looks healthy. From your comments I am now worried about repotting it. Putting in the ground seems the best option if I can find somewhere suitable, I would hate to loose it as it is now beginning to drop it's papery skin.

Plantminded · 12 February

It will definitely be happier in the ground @brenda.davies802Gv2PqzR but be aware of the potential height and spread of this tree. Depending on the variety, they can reach up to 30m as mature trees. More details here: silver-birch

bédé · 12 February

How big, and what shape, do you want your tree? google: birch bonzai.

brenda.davies802Gv2PqzR · 13 February

I didn't take into account how tall a Birch grows, so about 15ft was considered. Spread natural shape.

Fairygirl · 13 February

Is the one you have a multi stemmed variety [a B. jacquemontii variety for example ] @brenda.davies802Gv2PqzR?
They're easier to keep a bit smaller, as you can cut them back a bit without spoiling the habit too much, but they still need adequate root room, and can still be very large trees if left to grow naturally.

Silver Birch.

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