How to Care for a Dwarf Spruce Tree Indoors

Many varieties of spruce trees also grow in dwarf forms, such as the Dwarf Alberta Spruce and Dwarf Globe Blue Spruce. Dwarf spruce trees resemble their traditional relatives in every way except height and width. These dwarf evergreens often have topiary forms and grow well in pots both indoors and outdoors. Indoor dwarf spruce care is almost identical to outdoor care. However, you must ensure that adequate sunlight and water are available to the trees.

Water
General-purpose fertilizer
Pruning shears
Spider mite spray

Instructions

- 1
  Position the dwarf spruce pot in an area of the home that receives bright sunlight for most of the day. Locations in sunrooms and areas with sliding glass doors are good options for adequate sunlight. Low sunlight levels result in yellowing of the spruce needles.
- 2
  Water the soil in the pot once per week until it is damp all the way to the bottom. Repeat the watering as needed to prevent the soil from drying out during the first year. After the spruce is established, water only when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
- 3
  Sprinkle a granular general-purpose fertilizer over the top of the soil in the pot in early spring. Use the amount specified on the package for a single plant, and water the soil immediately after fertilizer application.
- 4
  Prune the dwarf spruce once per year in midsummer. Use pruning shears to trim the last 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the tips of the branches to neaten the natural shape.
- 5
  Examine the spruce needles regularly for small spider webs, which indicate a spider mite infestation. If webs are detected, move the tree to an outdoor location, and spray it thoroughly with a pesticide made to kill spider mites. Wait at least 24 hours before moving the spruce back indoors.

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