Tree grape care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Tree grape

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 7 days

A summer grower that drinks freely once its big leaves open: as a guide, water thoroughly when the surface dries while in leaf, and sparingly before the leaves emerge.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 14 days

As the leaves yellow and begin to drop, water about a week after the soil dries, as a guide.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 30 days

Dry once leafless, with a light moistening about once a month on a warm day.

Light and placement for Tree grape

Generally full sun and moving air outdoors, out of the rain from May to October; strong light thickens the trunk, though leaves fresh from indoors scorch and need gradual acclimation, and weak light gives small leaves and a thin trunk.

Overwintering Tree grape

Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above

As a guide, bring it indoors to a bright spot when nights fall below about 10°C and keep it above 5°C, dry once it has dropped its leaves; the peeling papery bark is normal.

Fertilizing and repotting Tree grape

Fertilizer

Diluted liquid feed about once a month from June to September while in leaf, kept light since too much only enlarges the leaves, and none in dormancy.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with Tree grape

• Watered in winter, the base of the trunk rots.
• Taken for dead when no leaves show in spring; it leafs out late, in May or June.
• In a dim room the leaves stay small and the trunk does not thicken.

Tips for growing Tree grape

• It wakes late: start watering in earnest once new growth moves in May or June.
• It grows large; when root-bound, move it up one pot size in early summer.
• The red fall berries are for looking at, not eating.

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