Hello!

what, exactly was your intent with this tree? Firs, overall, are pretty fussy and definitely are not house plants.

Why is it indoors?

What sort of medium is it planted in?

Do you realize that Abies fraseri has the potential to become a very large tree?

. . .

~Dave

My intent is to let it get to about 2.5-3 ft. then plant it outside. I brought it inside to minimize heat stress on it while in a pot. The tree is native to my area and I am aware of how big they can get. I have it planted in an acidic loam that they prefer.

Should I ditch keeping it potted for a while and just plant it? It's only about 5-6 inches tall.

Yes.

I would immediately plant it outside and hope that it's not too late. Afterall, you say it's native to where you live. Therefore millions of Abies fraseri seedlings have become trees without ever being sheltered indoors.

FWIW, I always plant out seedlings and newly-propagated grafts and cuttings within their first couple years of existance. I find that they have a far better chance of survival in the ground than they ever would in a pot -- far less risk of drying out, root rot from overwatering, cooking in the sun and strangulation from coiling roots. Bottom line is that trees were invented to grow in the ground.

Good luck!
~Dave

Its June and you're in Tennessee. I'd sink the pot in a shady spot outside now and move it to its permanent home in the fall.

tj