The evergreen cherry laurel is a particularly popular bonsai because of its deep green, shiny leaves. Due to the numerous design options from tightly upright to attractive cascade shapes, it represents an interesting challenge for bonsai lovers.
How do you care for a cherry laurel bonsai?
A cherry laurel bonsai needs a sunny location, regular watering without waterlogging, fertilization every two weeks, annual pruning and possible wiring. It should be repotted after three to four years. In winter a sheltered location or a cool indoor area is required. Wear gloves as the plant is poisonous.
Location
The cherry laurel should be cultivated as an outdoor bonsai. Sunny and bright locations are ideal. Protect the evergreen bonsai from winds as a lot of water evaporates over the large leaf surface.
Water requirements
Water the bonsai whenever the soil feels dry. Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs, as the cherry laurel bonsai is prone to root rot.
Fertilize
Fertilize the small tree every two weeks from spring to September. Both fertilizer cones for bonsai (€12.00 on Amazon) and bonsai liquid fertilizer are suitable.
Cut
Thin out thicker branches in February or March. You can shorten new growth by half in the spring. In June you can carry out a total leaf cut on a he althy and vigorously growing bonsai. Thin out the crown regularly over the course of the summer so that enough light can penetrate into the interior of the small tree.
Wiring
This is primarily necessary for older branches. You can wire the tree all year round.
Repotting
Repotting is only necessary after three to four years. Very carefully shorten the root system and remove the used substrate between the remaining roots. Place the laurel cherry in commercially available bonsai soil, which you mix with about a third of Akadama soil.
Wintering
In mild regions, this bonsai can overwinter outdoors in a protected corner. Alternatively, you can care for the laurel cherry in a bright room at temperatures of five to ten degrees during the cold season.
Tips & Tricks
Since the laurel cherry is poisonous and can also cause skin irritation, you should wear gloves when carrying out any work.
