Grown as a bonsai, even at a young age it looks ancient. The sweetgum owes this to its rustic bark. But not only that, but also other aspects make it an ideal bonsai within the witch hazel family.

The sweetgum can be trained well as a bonsai

Characteristics that speak for this bonsai

Here are the advantages of sweetgum as a bonsai:

  • great autumn colors (orange, yellow, red, violet to purple)
  • well tolerated by cuts
  • well proportioned
  • beautiful leaf shape
  • early bark with thick cork ridges
  • suitable for many styles
  • not susceptible to disease or pests
  • fast growth or weak growth depending on the variety

The perfect location

Have you decided on the sweetgum tree as a bonsai? Then you should choose the right location now! Basically, this is an outdoor bonsai. It should be placed in a sunny to partially shaded position. Its expressiveness comes into its own at its best when it is free-standing!

Conventional bonsai soil meets the requirements of this plant. Above all, it is important that the soil is loose, rather acidic and rich in nutrients. Also make sure that excess irrigation water can drain away unhindered!

What care is required?

When cultivating bonsai, care must not be neglected! Sweetgum trees have relatively high requirements:

  • keep soil moistured
  • water about every 1 to 2 days in summer
  • water sparingly in winter
  • Fertilize between May and the end of August
  • Fertilize every 2 to 3 weeks
  • Bonsai fertilizers are well suited
  • repot every 2 years and cut back the roots

Grow this bonsai from seed

You can start small by growing this bonsai from seed. The best time for sowing has come in spring or autumn. The seeds are lightly covered with soil and kept moist.

After the seeds have germinated and young plants have developed, you can cut the shoots at any time between May and September. Wiring is possible between June and the end of July - if necessary.

tips

This bonsai should be overwintered from October. Temperatures between 5 and 10 °C are ideal for this. Alternatively, you can bury the bonsai outside over the winter and provide some protection.

Category:

Trees