Acer negundo aka Boxelder

Taxonomy ID: 1328

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 Maple

More information about Boxelder

How difficult is it to take care of Boxelder

Boxelder is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

What is the region of origin of Boxelder

Boxelder’s native range is N. America - Nova Scotia to Florida, west to California and Manitoba.

What are the water needs for Boxelder

Boxelder should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Boxelder

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.

What is the sunlight requirement for Boxelder

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.

How to fertilize Boxelder

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.

Is Boxelder toxic to humans/pets?

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.

What's the dormancy for Boxelder

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.

What is the growth pattern of Boxelder

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

More info:
Wikipedia