Caring for a Christmas tree

I purchased this tree a couple of days ago to put outside on my bistro table.
I've been looking up how I'm supposed to care for it but I'm a bit confused and worried that I might damage it.

As you should be able to see in the photos, the roots are currently in a bag. I don't know if there are drainage holes at the bottom of the bag.



I've read that if the tree was grown in that environment then the roots should be strong but if it was taken from the ground then they will probably be very vulnerable. I don't know how it was grown.

Am I supposed to take it out its bag and add soil to build up the surround within the pot?
Also, with it being outside, how often should I water it? Is there a specific fertiliser or feed I could use?

Thanks very much and hope you can help.

 

I'd take it out the bag and pot it up into the red pot with drainage holes.
I'm assuming you want to grow it on after Christmas?

 

I got one of the £18.99....pot grown....ones from Aldi. I'm heartened by the fact that there are also healthy weeds growing in the pot.......

 

I saw them but this one in B&M opposite of Aldi was winking at me!

 

Thanks for the advice and yes, I'm hoping to keep growing it. That said, would keeping it in a pot stump its growth (maybe a good thing if so) or should I plan on planting it in the ground? Are these trees worth the effort? I've read that most people just keep it in a pot and stick it in a corner until the next Christmas!

Thanks again.

 

Personally I wouldn't bother trying to keep one from year to year, but some people do.

I think the big problem comes with the commitment to keep it well watered and fed during summer so that it looks good for the following year.

 

I think it is most likely that your tree was grown in the open ground and lifted , root pruned and popped into the pot.
You will be able to see when you remove the plastic bag , if the compost falls away and you see cut ends of thickish roots it has been field grown . If the compost largely holds its shape and you see lots of thin roots binding the compost it has been pot grown .
Let us know and we can advise further !

 

Thanks Tomcat, just checked, it's actually got a perforated pot inside the bag with roots coming out the holes!

Would it be okay to try to cut this pot away from the tree to replant it in the bigger red pot?

Would this be normal when buying a plant or tree with the intention of keeping it alive? Seems strange but then again, I am clueless when it comes to green fingers.

 

Yes , l would certainly cut the perforated pot away and pot up in the red pot.
It does sound like you have a containerised tree here , one that has been lifted from the open ground.
These trees are sold to use over Xmas , it’s survival depends on how much good root is left.
You need some of the thinner water/nutrient seeking roots rather than lots of the thicker stabilising roots.
Best compost to use would be John Innes No.2 , kept moist .
No need to feed until the spring when new fresh green growth starts.
Regular liquid feeds of a balanced feed such as Phostrogen work well.
As you say , keeping in a pot will restrict growth , however these trees don’t do well long term in pots , they will need planting out in maybe 3 or 4 years.
Fingers crossed and best of luck !!