Bonsai growing is a popular hobby among advanced gardeners. If you also want to try growing the mini trees, the forsythia is a suitable object. For starters, it makes sense to buy a pre-grown bonsai and familiarize yourself with caring for it.

The forsythia can also be grown as a bonsai because of its good pruning properties

Plant forsythia as bonsai

Bonsai forsythia are grown in a suitable planter. The vessel is filled with a mixture of humus, Akadamaerde and lava grit.

The tree can be outdoors all year round.

The care of the bonsai tree

In order for the bonsai forsythia to retain its characteristic shape, it needs optimal care:

  • pour
  • Fertilize
  • repot
  • wire

pour

Bonsai forsythia should never dry out completely. Water regularly, but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilize

While you don't need to fertilize outdoor forsythia, it is necessary in bonsai care. Use a special bonsai fertilizer that you can get in specialist shops. Fertilize according to the instructions from spring to autumn. No fertilizer is given only during flowering and immediately after repotting.

repot

Every two years put the bonsai plant in a larger pot. Replace most of the plant substrate. Repotting is also necessary so you can prune the root ball.

wire

To bring new shoots into the desired shape, the branches are wrapped in aluminum wire and bent. In mid-May, remove the wires so as not to impede the growth of the branches.

This is how the bonsai is pruned

Unlike normal-growing forsythia, with bonsai you not only have to cut the branches regularly, but also the roots.

Cut forsythia branches

Like all forsythia, the bonsai is only cut back after the flowering period so that the bonsai develops a rich bloom. If possible, only twigs are removed that are older and have already borne flowers.

Prune root ball

Every two years when repotting, prune the root ball. As a result, the roots branch out better and give the bonsai its compact appearance.

tips and tricks

Bonsai forsythia also tolerate sub-zero temperatures. To be on the safe side, you should place the pot in peat and cover the surface with additional soil. If it gets very cold, protect the bonsai with plastic wrap.

Category:

Vegetable garden