Keeping large deciduous trees with low growth as bonsai is becoming more and more modern. Would you like to try a black locust tree? Although the optimal suitability of this plant for the Japanese growth habit is controversial because it has long feathery leaves, it is definitely worth the effort. Try it. The following instructions will provide you with useful assistance.
How do I care for a robinia tree as a bonsai?
To keep a black locust tree as a bonsai, choose a height of one meter and shapes such as cascade, semi-cascade or multiple trunk. Regularly cut back the feathers and remove root suckers. Pay attention to careful wiring and care for the plant with water, fertilizer and bonsai standard soil.
Getting the bonsai into shape
In view of the already mentioned difficulty of tying the long spring leaves, you should not keep your robinia too small, even as a bonsai. A height of one meter is recommended. Then the fan leaves create a harmonious overall picture again. Suitable design forms for the robinia are
- the cascade
- the half cascade
- or the multiple stem
Robinia for cutting bonsai
A small, shaping cut is possible all year round. However, you should only carry out the main radical cut in autumn. At this point, the black locust stops producing new shoots. This means that less sap comes out of the branches if they are cut. A black locust forms up to 23 leaflets on one leaf. Feel free to cut them back to three to four feathers. In addition, the deciduous tree tends to form root runners. These are of no interest for keeping bonsai and should be removed immediately at the base.
Be careful when wiring
If you prune regularly, wiring the robinia into shape is not actually necessary. If you still want to use this measure, it is best to start in June. However, you must remove the wire after a year at the latest so that it does not grow into the wood. Do this very carefully. The shoots of the robinia are extremely sensitive to breakage.
More care tips
Place your bonsai robinia in a sunny location. You should not expose the deciduous tree to strong winds. Regular watering and fertilizer every other week are also part of the care. Ideally, you should enrich the substrate with standard bonsai soil (€5.00 on Amazon).
