In the wild, acacias grow into large deciduous trees. However, it is possible to restrict its growth to a size that allows the plant to be cultivated even in a container. Would you like to learn more about the Japanese bonsai art and its application, especially with the acacia? In the following you will find a lot of information worth knowing.
With a little patience, the acacia can also be trained to become a bonsai
Usual forms of design
Although in contrast to other plants it is a bit more complicated to keep an acacia as a bonsai, it is quite possible. You will see that the effort is worth it, because not everyone has a deciduous tree that has one of these common shapes:
- multi-stemmed
- growing on rocks
- in umbrella form
The shaping
To give your acacia a bonsai shape, you should start as early as possible, when the tree has not yet grown too tall. This also ensures more branching.
Point of time
The acacia forms new shoots in spring and summer. Cut them back regularly to a leaf base. The actual shaping pruning then takes place in winter.
wire
Wiring the branches is gentler than a radical pruning. However, the delicate, outer branches break off quickly. After four months at the latest, you must remove the wire again so that it does not grow into the wood.
More care tips
You can achieve even better growth of your acacia with the following measures:
Fertilize
Enrich the moist substrate with bonsai liquid fertilizer every other week from March to August. In winter, a single application of fertilizer per month is sufficient.
pour
Avoid both waterlogging and drying out of the root ball. Always keep the soil slightly moist.
location
Bonsai acacia do well at temperatures around 18°C. In winter, the range widens to 12-20°C. You should make sure that the humidity is good. A bright location is ideal for overwintering. Even in summer, your acacia needs enough light. Placement in a sunny place outdoors is conceivable.