In the wild, acacias grow into large deciduous trees. However, it is possible to limit its growth to a size so that the plant can even be cultivated in a container. Would you like to learn more about the Japanese art of bonsai and its application, especially with acacia? Below you will find a lot of useful information.
How do I design an acacia tree as a bonsai?
To design an acacia tree as a bonsai, start early with regular pruning of the shoots, shape the branches with wires and care for the plant with fertilizer, watering and a suitable location. Typical bonsai shapes are multi-stemmed, growing on rocks or in an umbrella shape.
Common design forms
Although it takes a little more effort than other plants to keep an acacia as a bonsai, it is certainly possible. You will see that the effort is worth it, because not everyone has a deciduous tree that has one of these common shapes:
- multi-stemmed
- growing on rocks
- in umbrella shape
The design
To give your acacia a bonsai shape, you should start as early as possible, when the tree has not yet grown too high. This also ensures greater branching.
The point in time
In spring and summer the acacia forms new shoots. Cut them back regularly to just one leaf base. The actual shaping pruning then takes place in winter.
Wiring
Wiring the branches is gentler than radical pruning. However, the delicate outer branches quickly break off. After four months at the latest, you must remove the wire again so that it does not grow into the wood.
More care tips
You can achieve even better growth for your acacia with the following measures:
Fertilize
Enrich the moist substrate with bonsai liquid fertilizer (€4.00 at Amazon) every other week from March to August. In winter, a single fertilizer application per month is sufficient.
Pouring
Avoid both waterlogging and drying out of the root ball. Always keep the soil slightly moist.
Location
Bonsai acacia feel comfortable at temperatures around 18°C. In winter the range expands to 12-20°C. You should pay attention to good humidity. A bright location is ideal for overwintering. Even in summer, your acacia requires sufficient light. It is conceivable to place it in a sunny location outdoors.
