A larch tree that is allowed to develop freely grows huge over the years. But not everyone wants it that way. The scissors are swung regularly to keep the tree small. The care must also be tailored precisely to him.
How do you care for a bonsai larch?
The bonsai larch requires regular cuts to maintain its shape, a sunny location, evenly moist soil and special bonsai fertilizer. It should be repotted every two to three years to control root growth and maintain nutrient levels in the soil.
Why this shape change?
If you love trees, you will find a suitable species for every available space that can thrive there with its natural growth. Bonsai is primarily a gardening hobby and less a necessity.
The bonsai larch looks like a tree, but it is mostly an indoor plant, even if its good winter hardiness makes it possible for it to stay outdoors permanently.
Tip
If you would like to grow a bonsai yourself: the pruning-tolerant Japanese larch is best suited for this pruning.
Buy a bonsai or shape it yourself?
Good-looking bonsais are available online for just 50 euros. You have already received a basic shape, so the further cutting effort is a manageable challenge even for laypeople.
If you enjoy designing, you can start with a small young larch tree and let your creativity run wild. It remains to be seen whether the result fulfills the desired image, it will always be individual.
Cut bonsai correctly
Bonsai pruning is an art in itself because the possibilities are diverse. If you want to try your hand at this, you should delve into the relevant specialist literature. The larch can be shaped into different shapes using the appropriate cutting technique, e.g. B. in:
- Twin Tribe
- Cascade
- Forest shape
If you buy a bonsai that has already reached its final shape, you only need to regularly pluck off the new growth.
The optimal location
The bonsai likes it very sunny, just like the large larch. His pot can be placed in a room or outdoors. In winter it doesn't even have to move into protective quarters, because the larch remains hardy even as a bonsai.
Watering and fertilizing
The soil of a bonsai must be evenly moist all year round. Regular use of the watering can is essential, although the interval and amount of watering are influenced by the season. In winter you have to water more sparingly, while the pot can be given a longer water bath on hot days.
There are special bonsai fertilizers commercially available for bonsais (€4.00 on Amazon), whose nutrient combination is optimally tailored to the needs of the mini plants.
- fertilize every two weeks from May
- as soon as the first shoots are visible
- Do not stop fertilizing until September
Repotting bonsai larch
Although the larch does not grow visibly for years, it still needs a new home every now and then. Their “invisible” root system can definitely be described as vigorous.
- repot every two to three years
- shortly before budding in spring
- alternatively in late autumn
- Use Akadama as bonsai soil
No new and larger pot is necessary for repotting. Only the roots are cut back and the old substrate is replaced with new one.
Diseases and pests
The miniature larch tree can be infested with mealybugs and mealybugs. Regular checks help to detect the infestation early and combat it with appropriate measures.
