The beautiful weeping willow with its drooping branches is an epitome of nostalgia. With bonsai cultivation you have the opportunity to enjoy this sight in miniature format. Find out in this guide what you need to take into account when caring for it so that you can enjoy this slightly different potted plant for a long time.
How do I care for a weeping willow bonsai?
A weeping willow bonsai needs a sunny location, constantly moist substrate, regular fertilization and pruning. Annual repotting is required to control the growth of the vigorous roots. Popular design types include double trunk, multiple trunk, cascade, half cascade and Saikei.
General
The weeping willow, which comes from Asia, is closely related to the white willow (Salix alba). However, it has slightly larger leaves, which makes it a little more difficult to keep as a bonsai. Constant pruning is the most important thing in cultivation. Otherwise the shape will grow out very quickly and can only be restored with great effort.
Design types
- Double trunk
- Multiple trunk
- Cascade
- Half cascade
- Saikei
Care
Location
Willows need a sunny location. In winter you can place your bonsai in the blazing sun. If it is too hot in summer, you should protect the tree from burning in a partially shaded place. Frost protection is also required in winter.
Pouring
Keep the substrate permanently moist. In summer, watering may even be necessary several times a day.
Fertilize
Fertilize your bonsai pasture every two weeks from the time the leaves open until September. You can't go wrong with a liquid fertilizer (€4.00 on Amazon).
Cutting
- In winter, remove all branches up to the trunk.
- Cut the branches to two buds.
- Cut back new shoots as soon as possible.
If you would like to help with wire for special growth, you should do this in June. Be sure to remove the aid after six months at the latest so that it does not grow into the trunk.
Repotting
If you keep the above-ground growth of the willow very small with bonsai cultivation, strong roots will spread underground. That's why you have to repot the pasture every year, even twice a year at first. The best time is spring, when the first buds become visible.
