If the gardener's heart beats for succulents and the art of bonsai, the desire for a succulent bonsai is obvious. Since not every type of succulent meets the criteria for a mini tree, only a selective selection of the plant type can be considered. This selection introduces you to 2 recommended plant species.
Which succulents are suitable for bonsai?
The money tree (Crassula ovata) and various Aeonium species, such as Aeonium arboreum, Aeonium canariense or Aeonium undulatum, are particularly suitable for cultivating a succulent bonsai. These succulents tolerate pruning well and are characterized by woody trunks.
Money tree has the potential for bonsai
The money tree is very popular among succulent houseplants because it is easy to care for and extremely decorative. As a woody, evergreen ornamental shrub, Crassula ovata is ideal for bonsai because it tolerates pruning well. So it is hardly surprising that he paved the way for numerous beginners to reach the higher spheres of the art of bonsai.
The central premise for successful cultivation of bonsai is a sunny, warm location. Regular pruning brings the money tree into the desired shape without the need for cumbersome wiring. The only stumbling block in the care program is excessive water supply. Only water your bonsai money tree when the substrate is completely dry.
Aeonium – Bonsai of a special kind
The wonderful succulent genus Aeonium combines decorative rosette growth with a woody trunk. Therefore, these thick-leaf plants are ideal for a bonsai friend who is looking for rare variants for the artistic design of a mini tree. These subspecies are particularly suitable:
- Aeonium arboreum with deep purple rosettes in full sun to shady location
- Aeonium canariense with a short, thick trunk and rich green, succulent leaves
- Aeonium undulatum with a solitary stem and mustard yellow flowers
One of the most beautiful aeoniums for bonsai culture is Aeonium haworthii. This gem produces rosette-shaped leaves at the tips of the branches. The wood is sturdy enough to support the load of the fleshy leaves without buckling. Each of the blue-gray, succulent leaves is decorated with a reddish edge. The creamy yellow flowers with a pink shimmer also delight.
Tip
The special substrate used in bonsai art (€5.00 on Amazon) with organic and inorganic components is ideal for caring for succulents. In particular, the addition of Akadama clay creates long-lasting structural stability, which is desirable for succulent soil.
