Indoor Christmas trees can be attractive plants

The plants only need fertilizer when they are actively growing, so wait until the days get longer and the light levels rise before adding nutrients. Start fertilizing if needed in March in our area and continue applications through September, but discontinue applications for the fall and winter.

It is also difficult to control the relative humidity inside your home. Use a pebble tray or run a humidifier on your furnace or near the plants to keep the air from getting too dry.

As I mentioned, our adopted tree started as a very small tree and I repotted it as needed over the years. I likely will not repot it again, because if it gets too large, it won't fit on the table at Christmas and it would be too large to move easily.

After Christmas, the lights and other ornaments come down and the tree moves to the greenhouse. They are attractive plants that grow well on the interior of your home and the Christmas season is an added bonus as these are the only true indoor Christmas trees we have.

Garden Tips

Red Butte Garden Winter Solstice Celebration, Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Free with general garden admission.

Visit the Children's Garden to celebrate the return of the light! Wander through the garden, warm your hands at the fire barrels, enjoy a hot drink and make a wish at the yule log. Participants can also create wonderful winter candles and their own solstice head wreath.

Larry A. Sagers is a horticulture specialist for the Utah State University Extension Service at Thanksgiving Point.