- Possible design forms of the silk acacia as a bonsai
- How to prune a silk acacia as a bonsai
- Be careful when wiring the silk acacia
- Cultivate a sleeping tree as a bonsai
Since the silk tree, also known as the sleeping tree or silk acacia, tolerates severe pruning, it is ideal for bonsai design. How to prune and care for a silk tree as a bonsai.
The silk tree tolerates pruning well
Possible design forms of the silk acacia as a bonsai
Since the silk tree also copes very well with a strong pruning, the design forms for sleeping trees are diverse:
- upright, free form
- broom shape
- windswept style
- semi-cascade
How to prune a silk acacia as a bonsai
In the first few years, cut the silk acacia regularly in spring. Later, the silk tree is cut as a bonsai after flowering. In the first few years, the sleeping tree does not bloom.
Pinch off the shoots regularly, as the silk tree will then become bushier and more compact. You can remove protruding branches at any time.
The pruning can be carried out strongly. It is basically done directly over one eye. Use sharp cutting tools that you have previously cleaned.
Be careful when wiring the silk acacia
You can also wire a sleeping tree into the desired shape. However, because of the rapid growth, you may only attach the wires from June onwards.
Check regularly that the wire is not too tight. The wires grow in very easily and must then be removed immediately.
Cultivate a sleeping tree as a bonsai
The silk tree is grown as a bonsai in a bowl because it is only conditionally hardy. In winter it is overwintered in a frost-free place at five to ten degrees. During the winter, reduce the amount of water and do not fertilize the silk tree during this time.
As soon as the root ball is well rooted, you need to repot the silk tree. Shorten the roots a little to slow down growth.
It is watered regularly with water that is as soft as possible, because the silk acacia does not tolerate calcareous water. Waterlogging must not develop. During the growth phase, the silk tree is supplied with fertilizer for bonsai every fortnight.
tips
The sleeping tree will not develop flowers for the first few years. To do this, he must first reach the age of several years. Sometimes the height also plays a role.