The ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) is a primordial rock, as if from another world. It can reach a height of up to 40 meters and is therefore rather unsuitable as a tree for small gardens here. But there are also small varieties that are also cultivated in a tub and develop well here.

In a nutshell

  • Cultivate male ginkgo trees because female trees produce foul-smelling fruit
  • up to 40 meters high, small variety like "Troll" for tub cultivation
  • regular fertilizing and watering
  • hardy
  • Cut little, rather cut off the young shoots

maintenance

Taking care of the ginkgo tree cultivated in a pot is not very difficult. Because the Chinese tree, also known as the fan leaf tree, is considered to be very easy to care for. So it can find a place in the garden, on the terrace or the balcony, but also in a conservatory and in the apartment.

Hanging fan leaf tree (Ginkgo biloba 'Pendula')

soil condition

The plant does not make any great demands on the substrate. What is important here, however, is that the earth is deep. Therefore, when cultivating in tubs, care should be taken to ensure that there is plenty of looseness but also plenty of space below:

  • nutritious
  • like loamy too
  • this is where the tree grows best
  • Fold in a little clay from the potting soil
  • fertilizer is already included in this
  • otherwise enrich normal garden soil with compost

If you want to use garden soil with compost for the potted plants, you should mix it up a month before planting. In this way, the nutrients in the compost can already decompose and are immediately available to the plant from the first day.

Fertilize

Compost is usually a good way to fertilize the crop. However, this is often difficult with potted plants. Because in addition to the resulting smell, the compost is also difficult to lift into a container. But there are alternatives:

  • Use liquid fertilizer from the trade
  • All the nutrients you need are here
  • regularly every two weeks from spring to autumn
  • For quantity, pay attention to the manufacturer's information
  • give less and less of this
  • in this way over-fertilization can be avoided
fan leaf tree 'Troll' (Ginkgo biloba); Source: Leonora (Ellie) Enking from East Preston, United Kingdom, Ginkgo biloba 'Troll' (28520930260), edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 2.0

pour

The sun-loving ginkgo tree does not need much water even in a sunny spot. However, with potted plants it should always be noted that not much rain gets into the soil here and this can lead to drying out more quickly, even if the plants are not under a protective roof:

  • Always keep the soil slightly moist
  • However, it is essential to avoid waterlogging
  • Create drainage in the pot
  • so the water can drain better
  • also mulch soil in summer
  • this keeps the substrate moist longer

location

The fan leaf tree can thrive in many locations. Nevertheless, various requirements should be met here:

  • ideally sunny location
  • Partial shade also possible
  • East or west facing balcony and terrace
  • but a south side is ideal
  • also in the sunny front yard
  • young plants always first partially shaded
Source: Ben Skála, Ginkgo biloba Mariken-Malochyně, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

Notice: If the ginkgo tree is kept as a houseplant, it should be in a bright place, as it often gets too dark for the plant in some rooms.

plant

So that the roots have enough space in the bucket, the container should be chosen slightly larger than the root ball. To prevent waterlogging, drainage is laid on the ground above the planting hole before the substrate is filled in:

  • best planting time is in spring
  • Drainage from clay balls or gravel
  • lay plant fleece over it
  • Fill in half of the soil
  • Use ginkgo
  • fill in the remaining soil
  • press well
  • water well the first time

Notice: The plant should be repotted about every three years in a larger container with fresh substrate.

wintering

The plant is usually very hardy. However, all potted plants should receive a little protection in winter, as the roots are more exposed to the cold in the pot than in a garden bed:

  • can remain outside at the site
  • Place bucket on styrofoam plate or wooden board
  • encase overall
  • Brushwood mats are visually more beautiful
  • Plant fleece can also be used
  • mulch soil
  • Use bark mulch or leaf waste from the garden
  • Tree loses its leaves in winter
  • is the resting phase
Source: Broly0, Ginkgo biloba Sapling, edited from Plantopedia, CC0 1.0

Notice: Even in winter you must not forget to water, but this should be less. Most plants that do not survive a winter do not freeze to death but dry up.

multiply

If you own a ginkgo tree, you can easily propagate it using cuttings. However, propagation via seeds is not recommended here, because in the local latitudes the seeds cannot mature sufficiently for sowing:

  • select the shoots before lignification
  • clip just below knots
  • remove soft tip and bottom sheet
  • two to three leaves remain on the cutting
  • eventually end briefly in rooting powder
  • then put in potting soil in a pot
  • keep moist
  • warm, bright location suitable
  • for example, bright window sill

After the first roots appear, the new fan leaf tree can be planted in a new container with nutrient-rich soil. The young plant should be protected from sun burns for the first year and grow up in partial shade.

To cut

The right day for pruning is an overcast and dry day. Because then neither moisture nor sun can damage the interface if the plant is unprotected. However, depending on the location, this is not to be considered on a covered terrace or a covered balcony. When cutting the ginkgo, there is little to consider. Most of this has to be done at a young age, later a topiary can be omitted altogether and only diseased or dry branches are removed:

  • Thin out the crown of young trees regularly
  • uniform growth achieved
  • Growth habit becomes bushy
  • Shape the tree as you wish
  • Always cut in spring
  • new shoots form
  • cut diseased or broken branches all year round
  • always cut close to the trunk
  • smooth cut on astring
  • Wound is overwhelmed by tree against fungal attack
Source: David Short from Windsor, UK, Ginkgo biloba (32019471521), edited by Plantopedia, CC BY 2.0

With an old plant, branches should also be cut for the optics, which then grow into the crown. If the crown is quite light, this has the advantage that all parts receive the same amount of light. However, if you want more color spectacles on the terrace or balcony in autumn, the crown should remain dense.

frequently asked Questions

Why should I buy a male tree?

Especially if you place your ginkgo tree near a seat, you should choose a male plant. Because the female trees produce fruit. These then emit an unpleasant smell that is very reminiscent of sweat. In terms of care, however, it is irrelevant whether the tree is male or female.

Can I also cultivate the tree in a room?

If you don't have a garden or balcony or a terrace where the ginkgo can be cultivated, you can put the pot in a room. The corner must have a lot of light, the hibernation should be as cool as possible at 5°C to 10°C, otherwise the plant cannot regenerate and will wither in the long run.

Is my ginkgo susceptible to pests or diseases?

No, the easy-care tree is not known to have any pests or diseases. However, you have to watch out for maintenance mistakes here too. Waterlogging is to be avoided so that root rot does not occur and cool hibernation with year-round indoor cultivation.

What do I have to consider with the devices for the cut?

When you are pruning a ginkgo tree, you need to choose the right tool. A pruning saw is sufficient for the smaller plants in the tub. You should clean and disinfect these well before cutting so that no viruses, bacteria or fungi can penetrate the cutting tool through the interface and damage the tree.

Category:

Garden plants