The evergreen firethorn bushes with strong thorns and bright orange-red fruits are popular and easy to care for bonsais. Since cutting errors grow quickly and the firethorn can be formed into a single trunk thanks to its bush-like growth, it is ideal as a beginner's bonsai.
How do you properly care for a firethorn bonsai?
A firethorn bonsai needs a sunny location, uniform moisture without waterlogging and regular fertilization. Prune in late March and August, repotting young plants every two years and older ones as needed. Overwinter it frost-free and pay attention to pests and resistant varieties.
Site conditions
In order for the bonsai to produce numerous berries, it needs a location in full sun. Its natural home is temperate climates and therefore it should be protected from frost and cold winds. To prevent sunburn on the leaves, it is recommended to protect the firethorn from midday sun in the summer months.
Watering and fertilizing
Keep the bonsai evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging as the firethorn reacts to too much moisture with root rot. During the flowering period, the bonsai is worth regular fertilization with commercially available bonsai fertilizer (€11.00 on Amazon) with a rich fruit yield. After flowering, fertilize only every 14 days.
The bonsai design
Lighten out the bonsai at the end of March and the end of August and also remove old wood during this pruning. Fresh shoots are continuously shortened to two pairs of leaves if no longitudinal growth is desired.
The firethorn can usually be shaped into the desired shape through regular cutting. If this is not possible, you can both wire and stake the bonsai. Since wiring is often difficult due to the strong thorns, bracing is preferred. Always wear gloves when working as the thorns cause painful injuries.
Repotting
In the first few years you should repot the small bonsai every two years. Older bonsais only receive a larger planter if necessary. Place the firethorn in bonsai soil, to which you add about a third of Akadama soil (mineral granules made from volcanic ash).
Diseases and pests
Many firethorn species are very susceptible to fire blight and scab. When choosing bonsai, pay attention to resistant varieties.
Pest infestation with
- Aphids
- Scale insects
- Leaf miners
occurs frequently. Fight the plant pests with suitable insecticides, as the plant can suffer massive damage.
Wintering:
The firethorn bonsai should overwinter in a cool but frost-free room. Since many varieties are not very hardy and cannot absorb enough water to supply the leaves in the bonsai pot when there is frost, the winter quarters should always be frost-free.
Tips & Tricks
The old, woody branches of the firethorn bonsai are very brittle. Wire these carefully.