Acer negundo aka Boxelder
Taxonomy
Acer negundo, commonly known as box elder, is a species of maple native to North America. It is a fast-growing, short-lived tree with opposite, compound leaves, typically composed of 3-5 toothed leaflets. In Missouri, it typically occurs in moist to wet soils along streams, river flood plains and low woods. Box elder trees are greenish-yellow flowered, dioecious (separate male and female trees) and produce Maple fruits (paired samaras). California Boxelder Maple is a rare houseplant and belongs to the Acer genus. It is relatively easy to grow and requires regular watering, long-lasting, direct light, and soil that is good at retaining moisture. It should be less than one foot from a window and should not need additional fertilizers if you repot it each time it doubles in size.
Common names
Boxelder, Manitoba MapleHow to care for Boxelder
Difficulty
Boxelder is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Water
Boxelder should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Boxelder is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.
Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Boxelder prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Boxelder to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Fertilizer
The growth of Boxelder is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
Region of origin
Boxelder’s native range is N. America - Nova Scotia to Florida, west to California and Manitoba.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Acer Genus
Acer caesium Indian Maple
Acer truncatum Shantung Maple
Acer capillipes Japanese Striped Maple
Acer carpinifolium Hornbeam Maple
Acer cissifolium Japanese Box Elder
Acer shirasawanum Shirasawa's Maple
Acer palmatum Japanese Maple
Acer caudatifolium Caudate Maple
Acer sempervirens Cretan Maple
