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 Maple, Ashleaf Maple

How 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

Boxelder requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Boxelder will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

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