The oak naturally develops into a giant tree. Unless she gets to feel the art of bonsai pruning from the start. Then she remains a tiny one for decades. A tree for every garden or room - just not to everyone's taste.

The bonsai oak is rather rare

Buy bonsai oak

Oak bonsai are not readily available in garden centers, but they are available on the market. Special tree nurseries and internet shops offer ready-made specimens, which have a proud, albeit well-deserved price of several hundred euros.

Grow bonsai oak yourself

A purchased bonsai already has the desired mini size and the typical appearance of an oak tree. However, the ongoing maintenance of this form requires constant intervention by the owner. So the thought of growing the bonsai oak yourself is not far away. This is cheaper than buying it, because an acorn and a little patience are enough.

tips

Numerous specialist books or internet forums provide information about the special cutting technique. But there are also regular courses by experts that can be attended.

Different shapes for the crown

Oak as a bonsai usually has a height that hardly exceeds 1 m. In addition, trunk and crown can be designed variably. Two basic directions are distinguished:

  • ornate form in the Japanese style
  • Form that follows the natural growth habit

The start of a bonsai life

If you walk through a forest, you will regularly discover small acorns under a large oak tree from which small plants are already sprouting. A germinated acorn gives you a head start and the certainty that a seedling will grow.

  • Plant young plants or acorns
  • in a pot or in the garden soil
  • pay attention to a sunny location
  • first let grow two years

The beginning of education

As soon as the young oak has reached the desired size, its training as a bonsai begins.

  1. Dig up the tree.
  2. Shorten its roots to about 1/3.
  3. Trim the trunk to the desired height, cutting just above an eye.
  4. Remove any lower branches close to the trunk.
  5. Shorten the remaining branches.
  6. Replant the oak.

Cut annually

Heavy pruning is done in spring while the buds are still closed. The terminal buds are broken off before they open.

Throughout the growing season, the bonsai is regularly pruned to maintain its shape.

  • Cut new shoots back to two pairs of leaves
  • the upper part of the crown is cut back more
  • Remove larger leaves regularly
  • never pluck off all the leaves at once

Care for the mini tree

During the entire growing season, the mini tree must be watered daily, taking care not to wet the leaves. In winter it is only watered sparingly so that the soil does not dry out completely. These are other maintenance measures:

  • fertilize in summer and autumn
  • every 14 days with special bonsai fertilizer
  • alternatively use a slow-release fertilizer
  • repot young oaks annually in spring
  • repot older specimens every 3-5 years
  • Provide root protection in winter

Category:

Trees