A larch that is allowed to develop freely grows enormously over the years. But not everyone wants them that way. The scissors are swung regularly to keep the tree small. The care must also be tailored to him.

A larch can be trained well as a bonsai

Why this shape change?

Anyone who loves trees will find a suitable species for every available space that can thrive there with its natural growth. The bonsai is primarily a gardening gimmick rather than a necessity.

The bonsai larch looks like a tree, but it is mostly an indoor plant, even if its good winter hardiness allows it to stay outdoors permanently.

tips

In case you want to grow a bonsai yourself: The pruning-tolerant Japanese larch is best suited for this pruning training.

Buy bonsai or shape it yourself?

Good-looking bonsai are available online for as little as 50 euros. You have already received a basic form, which is why the further cutting effort poses a manageable challenge even for laypersons.

If you enjoy the design, you can start with a small young larch and let your creativity run free. It remains to be seen whether the result will fulfill the desired image, it will always be individual.

Pruning bonsai properly

Bonsai pruning is an art in itself, because the possibilities are endless. If you want to try it, you should delve into the relevant specialist literature. The larch can be brought into different shapes with the appropriate cutting technique, e.g. Am:

  • twin tribe
  • cascade
  • forest shape

If you buy a bonsai that has already reached its final shape, you only have to regularly pluck off the new shoots.

The optimal location

Like the large larch, the bonsai likes it very sunny. His pot can be in a room but also outdoors. In winter it does not even have to move into a protective quarters, because the larch remains hardy as a bonsai.

watering and fertilizing

The soil of a bonsai must be evenly moist all year round. It is essential to reach for the watering can regularly, although the time interval and watering quantity are influenced by the season. In winter, you have to water more sparingly, while the pot can take a longer water bath on hot days.

For bonsai there are special bonsai fertilizers on the market, the combination of nutrients of which is optimally tailored to the requirements of the mini plants.

  • Fertilize every two weeks from May
  • as soon as the first shoot is visible
  • Do not fertilize until September

Repot bonsai larch

Although the larch does not grow visibly for years, it still needs a new home from time to time. Their "invisible" root system can certainly be described as vigorous.

  • repot every two to three years
  • just before budding in spring
  • alternatively in late autumn
  • Use Akadama as bonsai soil

A new and larger pot is not necessary for repotting. Only the roots are cut back and the old substrate is replaced with new.

diseases and pests

The mini larch can be infested with mealybugs and mealybugs. Regular checks help to detect the infestation at an early stage and to combat it with suitable measures.

Category:

Trees