The jade tree is an attractive plant for both beginners and enthusiasts when it comes to the art of bonsai. The tree forgives mistakes when cutting and care is less time-consuming compared to other types of bonsai.
How do you care for a jade tree as a bonsai?
A jade tree bonsai needs a bright location, temperatures between 10 and 25 degrees, regular pruning, sparing watering and fertilizing in the growth phase. Shape the crown by bracing and avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Location
The jade tree is an indoor bonsai that prefers bright and sunny places. After the last late frosts in May, the mini tree can be moved to a sunny or partially shaded location outdoors until September. Exposure to sunlight causes the leaves to turn reddish. However, you shouldn't rush the transition from indoors to the garden. Place the bowl outside on cloudy days so that the tree can get used to the outdoor conditions.
Temperatures
Bacon trees like temperatures between ten and 25 degrees. During the winter months, eight to 16 degrees are optimal, although Portulacaria afra can tolerate up to 22 degrees Celsius all year round.
Shapes
Jade trees store water in plant parts such as the fleshy, thickened leaves. Therefore, the young branches quickly bend under the weight of the storage water. Wiring is possible if the crown branches are slightly woody. Bracing is the better method to form an aesthetic crown.
Cutting
Between April and September, the bacon tree tolerates regular pruning well. These are necessary if you want to encourage growth and branching of the lower branches. Place the scissors about one centimeter above the desired interface. After the stubs have dried out, they can be easily snapped off. Do not use wound closure products. Due to the water storage capacity, rot can quickly develop under the seal.
To create a tree shape:
- cut off lower leaves on old branches
- remove inward and crosswise branches
- Tip shoots as soon as they have reached the desired length
- then shorten emerging shoots to two to three leaves
Care
The bacon tree proves to be simple when it comes to care requirements. Since this species has special growth characteristics, its needs differ from other bonsai plants.
Pouring
As a succulent, this bonsai has low water requirements. Allow the substrate to dry thoroughly for several days before watering vigorously. The cooler the environmental conditions, the less you need to water. In winter, reduce watering to a minimum. If the thermometer fluctuates between eight and twelve degrees, jade trees can survive without water for four to six weeks.
Tip
If the bonsai sheds a lot of leaves, it has been watered too much. Waterlogging quickly leads to root rot, which can hardly be remedied. If this has come to this, you should save the tree by cuttings.
Fertilize
In the growth phase from May to September, the jade tree is grateful for regular administration of liquid fertilizer. Add this to the irrigation water and pour the mixture onto the already moistened substrate (€5.00 at Amazon). Do not administer nutrients in winter.
