Since the silk tree, also known as the sleeping tree or silk acacia, tolerates severe pruning well, it is ideal for designing as a bonsai. How to cut and care for a silk tree as a bonsai.
How do you design and care for a silk tree bonsai?
To design a silk tree as a bonsai, first regularly cut shoot tips and protruding branches and use wire to shape it. Care includes regular watering, fertilizing and frost-free overwintering in a bowl.
Possible forms of silk acacia as a bonsai
Since the silk tree copes very well with severe pruning, the design forms for sleeping trees are varied:
- upright, free form
- Broom shape
- windswept style
- Half cascade
How to cut a silk acacia tree as a bonsai
In the first few years, cut the silk acacia regularly in spring. Later, the silk tree is cut as a bonsai after flowering. The sleeping tree does not bloom in the first few years.
Tip the shoots regularly, as the silk tree will then become bushier and more compact. You can remove any excess branches at any time.
The pruning can be done heavily. It basically takes place directly above one eye. Use sharp cutting tools that you have previously cleaned.
Be careful when wiring the silk acacia
You can also shape a sleeping tree into the desired shape by wiring it. Because of the rapid growth, you may only attach the wires from June onwards.
Check regularly whether the wire is not too tight. The wires grow in very easily and must then be removed immediately.
Care for sleeping tree as a bonsai
The silk tree is grown as a bonsai in a bowl because it is only partially hardy. In winter it is hibernated in a frost-free place at five to ten degrees. During overwintering, reduce the amount of water and do not fertilize the silk tree during this time.
As soon as the pot ball is well rooted, you need to repot the silk tree. Shorten the roots a little to slow down growth.
It is watered regularly with water that is as soft as possible because the silk acacia cannot tolerate hard water. Waterlogging must not develop. During the growth phase, the silk tree is supplied with fertilizer for bonsai at fortnightly intervals.
Tip
The sleeping tree will not develop any flowers in the first few years. To do this, he must first reach the age of several years. Sometimes the height also plays a role.