Keeping in Fridge??

SlapSlapSlappy

I have a Chinese Elm, and the winters here don't get cold enough to give it a proper dormancy period. I heard from a few people that keeping it in a fridge could work. Is this alright? And if so, do I have to spread mulch over the soil/grit?

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rockm

Not a very good idea, but possible. You will have mold problems, as well as humidity issues. You might also do some harm if the plant hasn't experienced autumn outdoors. Temperature does not induce dormancy. The gradual shortening daylength between midsummer and autumn is the trigger that tells trees to prepare and go into dormancy.

Plunking your tree in leaf into a refrigerator will shock it. It will probably drop its leaves, but not because it is dormant. The darkness inside the fridge will prevent it from pushing new leaves, although it will probably try. It will mostly wind up in a weakened state with this treatment. I'd just put it outside and keep it moist. Phoenix rarely experiences freezes deep and long enough to do much damage to the tree. If temps are predicted to get below 25, bring the tree into your garage or other sheltered outdoor space.

SlapSlapSlappy

Thank you for your reply rockm. Thanks for setting my mind straight about how dormancy works also. I thought it was all about temperature. Okay, I'll make sure I check the weather forcast more often then, but I doubt it will get that low.

bonhe

Hi SlapSlapSlappy,

You may consider about microclimate in your yard. I have 2 Chinese Elm, and the one I place in the north side of the home have no leaf at this time, but the one in the east side still has leave ;-) Bonhe

P/S: my yard in the north side is not too big, so that it doesn't have any sun at this season due to the shade of the home.

SlapSlapSlappy

Thanks for the reply bonhe. I could see how one tree could have leaves, and the other one wouldn't from the shade. It's amazing how things differ so greatly even only half a yard away.