Under the name lucky tree you will find the Australian bottle tree (lat. Brachychiton rupestris), but also the money or jade tree (lat. Portulacaria afra) from Madagascar. Both can definitely be grown as bonsai.

Among the multitude of bonsai options is the lucky tree

However, these are two completely different plants that are not related to each other. The jade tree is able to store water there with the help of its thick, fleshy leaves. It can be drawn into various shapes. The easy-care Australian bottle tree, on the other hand, has long, narrow leaves that appear feathery. With him, the normal tree shape is probably the most attractive.

How do I grow a lucky tree bonsai?

You can often get both the Australian bottle tree and the jade tree more or less ready-made as bonsai in the trade. The Australian bottle tree is often treated with a growth retardant because it can reach a height of 20 meters in its homeland.

A very attractive feature of the Australian bottle tree is its root. As a bonsai, the plant is kept in a relatively small pot, so the root cannot grow straight down as it would like. Instead, it twists, partly out of the ground, and takes on an interesting and unique shape. No root is like the other.

How do I care for a lucky tree bonsai?

In principle, the Australian lucky tree as a bonsai has the same needs as any other lucky tree. It needs a lot of light and should therefore be placed in a very bright place. It tolerates drought much better than waterlogging.

The bottle-shaped trunk can store water, so the plant survives your vacation quite unscathed. As a bonsai, water it very sparingly, especially during the winter months. It also only needs fertilizer in small amounts, about twice during the growing season and not at all in winter. Cut it into the desired shape.

Bonsai care in brief:

  • Don't choose a pot that is too big
  • make it as bright as possible
  • cut regularly
  • water and fertilize little

tips

If you want to keep your lucky tree as a bonsai, put it in a rather small pot and only supply it with nutrients sparingly.

Category:

Trees