Ivy is not often seen but is very decorative if it is not kept as a climbing plant but as a bonsai. Like all plants that become woody over time, ivy can be cut into many shapes. How to grow and care for an ivy as a bonsai.

Ivy can be trained wonderfully as ivy

Ivy bonsai in almost all forms

Ivy tolerates pruning extremely well. Whether you just shorten shoots or cut into old wood - ivy is almost indestructible. The bonsai specialist takes advantage of this fact and grows unusual bonsai shapes.

The only shape that cannot be cut is an upright posture. On the other hand, very beautiful cascades can be created with ivy.

Location for ivy as bonsai

Ivy as a bonsai is easy to care for outside. Choose a shady to semi-shady location.

Cut back up to three times a year

To cut an ivy as a bonsai, the plant is shaped up to three times a year. It is pruned from spring to summer. Smaller cuts are possible at any time.

Ivy also tolerates wiring well. Even older woody shoots can still be wired. The best time to do this is April, when the plant begins to grow.

Caring for ivy properly as a bonsai

  • pour
  • to cut
  • fertilize
  • repot

Watering is always done when the surface of the soil has dried. Avoid waterlogging. The root ball must not dry out completely.

In contrast to ivy in the field, ivy as a bonsai needs regular fertilizer. However, you should not overdo it. Use a liquid fertilizer for bonsai that you give according to the instructions. Fertilize from March to September.

Repot ivy regularly

Bonsai-shaped ivy should be repotted every spring. The root ball is severely cut back to keep the plant small.

As a substrate for ivy as a bonsai, a mixture of one part potting soil, one part pumice or lavalite and one part Akadama is recommended.

tips

Ivy is a very hardy plant that can live up to 500 years. Over time, it develops from a climbing plant with long tendrils to a shrub and later even a tree.

Category:

Indoor plants