The basics

So - you've just received your brand new baby Pet Tree. You've opened the packaging, and are sitting there gazing lovingly at the cute little critter. Like any other pet, Pet Trees need lots of TLC, attention and love. You don't need to be green-fingered, but if you look after them properly then they will grow up healthy and happy. Mistreat them and they will wither away and die. Follow these simple steps to ensure your Pet Tree has a bright future ahead.

 Dos and Don'ts

Your Pet Tree needs watering occasionally to ensure it grows. Once a month should be plenty. More than this and it will cause abnormal growth and weaken your tree. To water it simply place in a saucer of water of a few minutes - there are watering holes in the bottom of the jar.

Pet Trees also love sunshine - the more the better. Make sure that you keep it on a nice shiny window sill at work, or in a bright space when at home. The sunshine will help them to grow up big and strong, ready for planting.

Keep them warm. Pet Trees are like cats - they don't like the cold, so keep them indoors or they will start to shiver. The ideal temperature for them is between 10 and 30 degrees, so anywhere indoors is ideal.

If your an impatient person like me, then you can help your Pet Tree to grow faster in it's first few months. Just mix a small amount of plant food in with it's water once a month, and watch it shoot up.

 When the time comes

If you've been following the steps above for the last few months, then your Pet Tree should be growing up nicely. The day will come when it's outgrown it's little dome, and needs a new home. When this day comes it's time to set him free - I know it's hard letting go, but it's for the best, honest!

A cramped tree is an unhappy tree. But this isn't the end of the line - just a new beginning. Like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon. All you need to do is replant your Pet Tree in a normal flower pot. Why not take a trip to the garden centre, and find a suitably ornamental home for your little chum.