Sterling355
Seedling
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I've been reading a lot of conflicting information about Boxwood's care and whether they can be kept indoors or not. Some claim they need a period of winter dormancy others claim its not as needed. Is winter dormancy a necessary action for the tree's survival or is it a reaction to the low temperatures to ensure it's own survival?
To me it sounds like it is more of a reaction, rather than a necessary action (required dormancy), when reading information such as this:
"Should there be a warm snap in winter, the shrub may come out of dormancy and begin producing new, succulent growth. Subsequent freezes will result in the death of not only the new growth but the loss of moisture from older foliage as well, turning it brown."
The article can be found here: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/boxwood-bush-turning-brown-winter-86925.html .
Then again what do I know? I'm obviously no expert nor do I have an opinion that is backed by scientific facts or I wouldn't be writing this forum post in the first place asking these questions.
In Pennsylvania we have winters where they can be pretty brutal (like this last one) or we can have winters that are off and on with warm and cold spells. So from just knowing that fact alone through experience, it would seem that a boxwood outside in the winter would cycle in and out of a dormancy period. This would then kill off new growth during a cold spell and encouraging growth during warm spells. This to me sounds like it would exhaust the plant, not provide it with a "resting period", and going through such a series of cycles would cause more harm than good. From my understanding a juniper can be kept in a unheated garage for winter protection because the tree goes into this dormancy period, which sounds like more of an action the tree takes. If a boxwood would be kept the same, it sounds as if it would be harmful to the tree since it needs light and the tree can put out new growth in the middle of winter. The only thing stopping this new growth would be the cold. So this to me sounds like the boxwood is undergoing "dormancy" as more of a means of a reaction to the cold. I'm curious to see what others think when it comes to "dormancy" for trees.
Here is an article that lists boxwoods as a great garden plant that can make great houseplants.
Top 10 Outdoor Garden Plants That Make Great Houseplants
http://gardening.about.com/od/bringingoutdoorplantsin/tp/HouseplantsIn.htm :
6. Boxwood and Myrtle
Small potted evergreen boxwood and myrtle make easy going houseplants and nice winter decorations. They prefer a direct light source and turning every few days will keep them growing evenly on all sides. Humidity is crucial to evergreen houseplants and misting is necessary. Water when the soil feels dry and feed monthly. Keep watch for spider mites. (Bright to Moderate Light)
Bonsai Boy states the following: http://www.bonsaiboy.com/catalog/boxwoodcare.html
PLACEMENT WINTER
"Once nightly lows begin approaching the freezing mark, it is time to bring your bonsai inside. During the winter months, the tree should be moved to a northern windowsill where it should be allowed to go semi-dormant. It should not receive any sunlight and should be kept cool (perhaps 50-55 degrees). Water approximately every 7-10 days. After this resting period, it should be placed outdoors; however, once the tree is moved to a location with more light, the watering and feeding schedule should increase accordingly."
The thing about the above information which doesn't make sense to me is the fact that they state that the tree should be brought inside on a windowsill where it should be allowed to go semi-dormant. This then conflicts with the information I posted above that states: "Should there be a warm snap in winter, the shrub may come out of dormancy and begin producing new, succulent growth." Naturally, if a tree is brought indoors it will be brought into warmer temperatures therefore coming out of dormancy.
Then I read the following from Sleepy Hollow Bonsai : http://www.shbonsai.com/care_boxwood.html
Winter Care
"To maintain good health, Boxwood bonsai should be kept outdoors during the winter months so that they can experience a dormancy or rest period. During this period, your bonsai should be protected from drying winds and extreme cold conditions. This can be achieved by utilizing cold frames, window wells, enclosed unheated rooms, or mulch beds."
The above then conflicts with what Bonsai Boy is saying since Bonsai Boy is saying that the tree needs to brought inside once the freezing temperatures come into play, yet Sleepy Hollow is saying that the tree needs to be taken outside, with protection. The only thing that seems to be agreed upon between these guides is that the tree needs a resting period. How that resting period is achieved seems conflicting. This agreement however then conflicts with the article I posted initially stating that boxwoods make great houseplants during the winter. Another conflicting note, if a tree is not to receive any sunlight during this "resting period" inside as stated by bonsai boy, assuming that we reach the temperatures within this storage area as suggested, then wouldn't the recommendation of keeping the tree outside mean that the tree does in fact need sunlight during this dormancy period? Then another question one could ask themselves would be whether this temperature of 50-55 degrees is appropriate to avoid stimulating new growth because if these temperatures are too warm then wouldn't the tree be triggered to push out new growth as stated in the home-guides article hence the tree would in fact need appropriate lighting? This question then leads me to my previous question whether dormancy for this tree is a needed action for survival or rather a reaction to ensure survival.
I also read this article (found here: http://www.fukubonsai.com/2b2a2a.html ) which completely conflicts everything, particularly what is stated below:
"Now, how about needle evergreens as fluorescent light bonsai? I have heard again and again that junipers (Juniperus spp.) cannot be grown indoors for any length of time. I know that even if I swear here that my two oldest indoor junipers have grown inside under cool white fluorescent light for 21 and 19 years respectively with no outdoor vacations, there will be those who read this and continue to assure their friends that it cannot be done. Admittedly juniper growth is slow under fluorescent light, but they survive and are healthy.
I am convinced that most people, trying to be nice to their trees, over water junipers indoors. Let the soil surface of the established juniper get definitely dry between waterings. Incidentally, boxwoods, cotoneasters and serissas respond well to this treatment too; most azaleas also in my experience."
When talking about growing "indoors" are we referring to the common idea of growing plants indoors, which is purely just placing a plant/tree in a window and considering that this placement would be sufficient enough for all the tree's/plant's needs? Or when talking about growing indoors, are we talking about "indoors" as in the same fashion that I am about to illustrate below with my own set-up? If it is the former rather than the latter listed above, then I could see why "indoors" may have such a bad stigma. The latter of my questions above however are what I'm trying to better understand.
Right now I have a boxwood that is sitting in a bay window with a 4 foot long lighting fixture with 6 grow lights installed that is set to a timer, with blue LED night lights. I have a digital meter situated as well that reads the temperature inside this windowed area, as well as the humidity. I wired together a large computer cooling fan (for air movement) and mounted it with velcro strips for easy adjusting, which is also plugged into the timer with the lights. I had a humidifier but it recently bit-it mainly because I think it was cheap to begin with so I will be purchasing another one soon. I also have a few ficus trees here as well and I have a small juniper (nana procumbens) to serve as a test subject to see if this kind of set-up can sustain this tree year round. The boxwood tree that I have I am very fond of and would like to keep this tree inside year round, if possible.
If anybody has first-hand experience with anything like this, I would greatly appreciate your input and what your findings are with such a thing.
What humidity levels would you maintain?
Would you need a different form of soil for better drainage or less drainage?
Humidity trays, do they work?
Moisture meters: What readings do you need for what plants/trees? I can only find appropriate reading levels for buxus but not for junipers.
What lighting did you find works best?
What temperature readings need to be obtained to aid certain trees/plants with their dormancy needs?
Point is, this conflicting information is everywhere with multiple species of trees/plants. So my question again is this: Can a boxwood be grown indoors or not?
To me it sounds like it is more of a reaction, rather than a necessary action (required dormancy), when reading information such as this:
"Should there be a warm snap in winter, the shrub may come out of dormancy and begin producing new, succulent growth. Subsequent freezes will result in the death of not only the new growth but the loss of moisture from older foliage as well, turning it brown."
The article can be found here: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/boxwood-bush-turning-brown-winter-86925.html .
Then again what do I know? I'm obviously no expert nor do I have an opinion that is backed by scientific facts or I wouldn't be writing this forum post in the first place asking these questions.
In Pennsylvania we have winters where they can be pretty brutal (like this last one) or we can have winters that are off and on with warm and cold spells. So from just knowing that fact alone through experience, it would seem that a boxwood outside in the winter would cycle in and out of a dormancy period. This would then kill off new growth during a cold spell and encouraging growth during warm spells. This to me sounds like it would exhaust the plant, not provide it with a "resting period", and going through such a series of cycles would cause more harm than good. From my understanding a juniper can be kept in a unheated garage for winter protection because the tree goes into this dormancy period, which sounds like more of an action the tree takes. If a boxwood would be kept the same, it sounds as if it would be harmful to the tree since it needs light and the tree can put out new growth in the middle of winter. The only thing stopping this new growth would be the cold. So this to me sounds like the boxwood is undergoing "dormancy" as more of a means of a reaction to the cold. I'm curious to see what others think when it comes to "dormancy" for trees.
Here is an article that lists boxwoods as a great garden plant that can make great houseplants.
Top 10 Outdoor Garden Plants That Make Great Houseplants
http://gardening.about.com/od/bringingoutdoorplantsin/tp/HouseplantsIn.htm :
6. Boxwood and Myrtle
Small potted evergreen boxwood and myrtle make easy going houseplants and nice winter decorations. They prefer a direct light source and turning every few days will keep them growing evenly on all sides. Humidity is crucial to evergreen houseplants and misting is necessary. Water when the soil feels dry and feed monthly. Keep watch for spider mites. (Bright to Moderate Light)
Bonsai Boy states the following: http://www.bonsaiboy.com/catalog/boxwoodcare.html
PLACEMENT WINTER
"Once nightly lows begin approaching the freezing mark, it is time to bring your bonsai inside. During the winter months, the tree should be moved to a northern windowsill where it should be allowed to go semi-dormant. It should not receive any sunlight and should be kept cool (perhaps 50-55 degrees). Water approximately every 7-10 days. After this resting period, it should be placed outdoors; however, once the tree is moved to a location with more light, the watering and feeding schedule should increase accordingly."
The thing about the above information which doesn't make sense to me is the fact that they state that the tree should be brought inside on a windowsill where it should be allowed to go semi-dormant. This then conflicts with the information I posted above that states: "Should there be a warm snap in winter, the shrub may come out of dormancy and begin producing new, succulent growth." Naturally, if a tree is brought indoors it will be brought into warmer temperatures therefore coming out of dormancy.
Then I read the following from Sleepy Hollow Bonsai : http://www.shbonsai.com/care_boxwood.html
Winter Care
"To maintain good health, Boxwood bonsai should be kept outdoors during the winter months so that they can experience a dormancy or rest period. During this period, your bonsai should be protected from drying winds and extreme cold conditions. This can be achieved by utilizing cold frames, window wells, enclosed unheated rooms, or mulch beds."
The above then conflicts with what Bonsai Boy is saying since Bonsai Boy is saying that the tree needs to brought inside once the freezing temperatures come into play, yet Sleepy Hollow is saying that the tree needs to be taken outside, with protection. The only thing that seems to be agreed upon between these guides is that the tree needs a resting period. How that resting period is achieved seems conflicting. This agreement however then conflicts with the article I posted initially stating that boxwoods make great houseplants during the winter. Another conflicting note, if a tree is not to receive any sunlight during this "resting period" inside as stated by bonsai boy, assuming that we reach the temperatures within this storage area as suggested, then wouldn't the recommendation of keeping the tree outside mean that the tree does in fact need sunlight during this dormancy period? Then another question one could ask themselves would be whether this temperature of 50-55 degrees is appropriate to avoid stimulating new growth because if these temperatures are too warm then wouldn't the tree be triggered to push out new growth as stated in the home-guides article hence the tree would in fact need appropriate lighting? This question then leads me to my previous question whether dormancy for this tree is a needed action for survival or rather a reaction to ensure survival.
I also read this article (found here: http://www.fukubonsai.com/2b2a2a.html ) which completely conflicts everything, particularly what is stated below:
"Now, how about needle evergreens as fluorescent light bonsai? I have heard again and again that junipers (Juniperus spp.) cannot be grown indoors for any length of time. I know that even if I swear here that my two oldest indoor junipers have grown inside under cool white fluorescent light for 21 and 19 years respectively with no outdoor vacations, there will be those who read this and continue to assure their friends that it cannot be done. Admittedly juniper growth is slow under fluorescent light, but they survive and are healthy.
I am convinced that most people, trying to be nice to their trees, over water junipers indoors. Let the soil surface of the established juniper get definitely dry between waterings. Incidentally, boxwoods, cotoneasters and serissas respond well to this treatment too; most azaleas also in my experience."
When talking about growing "indoors" are we referring to the common idea of growing plants indoors, which is purely just placing a plant/tree in a window and considering that this placement would be sufficient enough for all the tree's/plant's needs? Or when talking about growing indoors, are we talking about "indoors" as in the same fashion that I am about to illustrate below with my own set-up? If it is the former rather than the latter listed above, then I could see why "indoors" may have such a bad stigma. The latter of my questions above however are what I'm trying to better understand.
Right now I have a boxwood that is sitting in a bay window with a 4 foot long lighting fixture with 6 grow lights installed that is set to a timer, with blue LED night lights. I have a digital meter situated as well that reads the temperature inside this windowed area, as well as the humidity. I wired together a large computer cooling fan (for air movement) and mounted it with velcro strips for easy adjusting, which is also plugged into the timer with the lights. I had a humidifier but it recently bit-it mainly because I think it was cheap to begin with so I will be purchasing another one soon. I also have a few ficus trees here as well and I have a small juniper (nana procumbens) to serve as a test subject to see if this kind of set-up can sustain this tree year round. The boxwood tree that I have I am very fond of and would like to keep this tree inside year round, if possible.
If anybody has first-hand experience with anything like this, I would greatly appreciate your input and what your findings are with such a thing.
What humidity levels would you maintain?
Would you need a different form of soil for better drainage or less drainage?
Humidity trays, do they work?
Moisture meters: What readings do you need for what plants/trees? I can only find appropriate reading levels for buxus but not for junipers.
What lighting did you find works best?
What temperature readings need to be obtained to aid certain trees/plants with their dormancy needs?
Point is, this conflicting information is everywhere with multiple species of trees/plants. So my question again is this: Can a boxwood be grown indoors or not?
