ACADEMY

How to care for a living Christmas Tree this season

Following less than optimal growing conditions there is a shortage of Christmas trees this season and some garden centres are reporting a major hike in prices of up to £10 per tree from their own suppliers. One way to future proof your Christmas celebrations is to invest in a living tree that you can keep outdoors for most of the year in a container, then bring it indoors for the main event. Choose you tree wisely (and don’t buy too big to start with) and you could get 3-5 years of use out of it before it becomes too big to handle – depending on the size of your space indoors.

A living tree will require plenty of water and nutrients to stay looking its best, so the right choice of container is essential from the outset. Lechuza self-watering planters are resistant to frost and UV and suitable for use either indoors or outside, making them the ideal choice for when you need to move your tree around. Some of the models even come with rollers to assist with the move. 

Here we look at some of the best options for a flourishing live tree that will bring joy to your home this Christmas.

CUBE Premium

Pictured top is the stylish CUBE Premium in Charcoal Metallic. Available in sizes 30, 40 and 50 with prices that start at £54.39, this stylish planter features removable drain screws that allow you to drain off excess water when the container is kept outside. Lechuza's professional quality PON mineral potting mix for a drainage layer is included in the purchase price for exceptional growing conditions. This planter is also available in five other colours, including: Black High Gloss, Scarlet High Gloss, Shiny Taupe, Silver Metallic and White High Gloss. 

PURO Color 50

If you prefer a round design, the award-winning PURO Color 50 is a sensational choice which allows plants to be left untended for up to 12 weeks between watering. UV safe, frost proof and shatterproof, the set includes an external pot, inner pot with adjustable handles, water level indicator and LECHUZA-PON substrate. Available in White, Slate and Sand Brown. RRP: £90.09. 

PURO planters are also available in smaller sizes that are perfect for displaying Christmas cacti, poinsettias and other decorative houseplants throughout the year. [Link to product

CLASSICO LS

For a traditional Christmas look, CLASSICO LS in Scarlet is just what Santa ordered!  Available in a wide range of sizes from 21 up to 50, with additional colours of White High Gloss, Shiny Taupe, Charcoal Metallic and Black High Gloss, this beautiful planter is resistant to UV and frost and includes the removable drain screw for when it's placed outside. The planter is resistant to impact and colour fading. RRP: from £28.89. 

Think out of the Box

The Christmas tree shortage might be impacting availability but there are good alternatives if the real thing proves too pricey, you’re short on space or can’t find one at all. Here we see that miniature boxwoods have been transformed into cosy table centrepieces with the addition of candles and rustic decorations made from natural materials. 

Placed inside beautiful CANTO Stone self-watering planters. Priced at just £14.44, these neat planters will ensure your little trees receive exactly the right amount of water and micronutrients. Even better, they can be popped straight into the container without the need for repotting. In spring you can plant the growing trees outside or in larger containers, whilst your CANTO Stone pot can be used for any sort of small plant and kept either inside our outdoors.

Shop the full range at thelechuza.co.uk