The silver oak is quite suitable as a bonsai. It forms an attractive contrast to the blooming Dipladenia. Choose a relatively young plant if you have not bought a “finished” bonsai, it is still easy to train.
How do I care for a silver oak bonsai?
A silver oak bonsai requires regular pruning every 6-8 weeks, wiring in fall or winter, fresh air and an outdoor location during the summer. The ideal temperature is around 18°C, with average water requirements and fertilization from spring to autumn.
How do I prune the silver oak?
To make your silver oak a beautiful bonsai, you should prune it regularly, about every six to eight weeks. Shorten all branches and twigs so that the plant looks harmonious and give it the shape you want. First remove all sick and/or weak shoots.
Can I wire the silver oaks?
Of course you can also shape your silver oak with wire. The ideal time for wiring is autumn and winter. Don't wrap the wire too tightly, but don't wrap it too loosely either. As soon as the branches start to grow thicker (around May), remove the wires, otherwise they will leave ugly marks in the bark.
How should I care for my silver oaks?
Water the silver oak regularly so that the soil does not dry out; it should always be slightly moist. Repot your silver oak trees about every two years. When doing this, trim the roots straight away. This encourages them to branch and keeps your plant well supplied with nutrients and he althy. Root pruning also keeps the plant in visual balance.
How do I overwinter my silver oaks?
As an evergreen plant, silver oak needs sufficient water, plenty of light and a minimum of care even in winter. No fertilizer or pruning is necessary at this time. Keep the temperature in the winter quarters uniform at around 18°C to 20°C. Under no circumstances should it fall below 10 °C.
The most important things in brief:
- evergreen subtropical tree
- choosing a young plant as a bonsai
- suitable as an outdoor bonsai in summer
- fresh air, wind and rain promote plant he alth
- ideal temperature: approx. 18 °C
- average water requirement
- fertilize from spring to autumn
- prune regularly every 6 to 8 weeks
- wire in autumn or winter
Tip
Place your silver oaks on the balcony or in the garden in summer. Wind and weather keep your bonsai robust and he althy.