The real pepper is not used for growing the bonsai - this is not suitable as a bonsai as it is more of a shrub-like climbing plant - but the Chinese pepper tree. Alternatively, you can also raise the Brazilian and Peruvian pepper trees to bonsai, but these two species need significantly more heat than their namesake from China.

Botanical Characteristics

The Chinese pepper tree, botanically Zanthoxylum piperitum, is also known as Szechuan pepper or aniseed pepper. The plant has its home in southern China, which means that it also belongs to the tropical family and is best kept in a greenhouse or conservatory. Despite the similarity in name, the pepper tree is not related to the real pepper (Piper nigrum), but instead belongs to the rue family and is therefore botanically much closer to the citrus family. Its fruits, flowers and leaves are used in both Japanese and Chinese cuisine. It is a shrub-like plant that - uncut - can grow up to two meters high. In addition, Zanthoxylum piperitum develops strong thorns.

location

The Chinese pepper tree comes from the tropics and therefore needs a warm and partially shaded location. The plant usually does not like full sun. The plant should be kept indoors or in a greenhouse, but can also be outdoors over the summer. The temperature should not be below 5 °C.

fertilizing and watering

As a tropical plant, the Chinese pepper tree has a very high water requirement. To increase the humidity for a short time, shower the plant with a watering can. Both tap water and rainwater can be used for watering. The soil should always be moist, but not soaking wet. Fertilization takes place during the growing season with an organic liquid fertilizer. Only in winter and immediately after repotting is it not necessary to fertilize.

cutting and wiring

Of course, a bonsai tree does not naturally stay small, which is why it should be pruned regularly. The Chinese pepper tree is trimmed every four weeks between May and September. But not only shoots, branches and twigs have to be cut back, the roots too. The roots are cut every two years during repotting. The tree gets the desired shape through the wiring, whereby the branches and twigs are brought in the required direction with the help of wrapped aluminum wire.

wintering

Since the Chinese pepper tree naturally does not tolerate frost, it should definitely overwinter in the apartment or in the greenhouse. Both hibernation under cold house conditions at around 12 °C and staying in the heated living room are possible. However, it is important to note that the warmer the tree is, the more light it needs. Warm overwintered pepper tree bonsai should therefore be better irradiated with a plant lamp (21.99€).

tips and tricks

You can also grow your Chinese pepper tree yourself from seed and train it accordingly from the start. However, the purchase of special bonsai seeds is not necessary.

IJA

Category:

Vegetable garden