Bonsai is an ancient Japanese tradition in which trees are artistically designed and kept in dwarf growth. Due to their robustness, olive trees are excellent for this art form.

Choosing an olive tree for bonsai

If you want to grow a bonsai yourself, but are not very experienced in this area, an olive tree is just right for you. The robust trees don't blame you too much for mistakes, and they quickly sprout again even after radical pruning. However, olives grow very slowly, so you should be patient when growing them or buy an older bonsai tree. A young tree that is only a few months old is best for growing your own bonsai. Alternatively, you can grow your own olive tree from seed or cuttings.

Pay attention to the right housing conditions

But don't underestimate the small bonsais: Just like their big counterparts, they need optimal conditions in terms of soil, location and care. Olives - including bonsai - love the sun, need loose, preferably sandy soil and should be watered regularly. In contrast to normal olives, olive bonsai should be fertilized about every two to three weeks.

Growing an olive tree into a bonsai

You can train a young olive tree to become a bonsai yourself, although you first have to decide on a specific style. Most olive bonsai are available in what is known as a broom or upright shape, but virtually any bonsai style is possible. You train the tree into the desired shape with the help of wires and cuts.

Classic bonsai styles

  • Broom Form (Hokidachi)
  • Strictly upright bonsai form (Chokkan)
  • Free Upright Form (Moyogi)
  • Inclined bonsai shape (Shakkan)
  • Cascade Bonsai (Kengai)
  • Semi-cascade bonsai (Han-kengai)
  • Literary Bonsai (Bunjingi)
  • Double trunk bonsai (Sokan)
  • Multiple stem bonsai (Kabudachi)
  • Forest Bonsai (Yose-ue)

Cut and wire olive bonsai

Young olive trees can initially be wired to grow into the desired shape. You should only wire one-year-old shoots, as the risk of breakage is too high for older ones. Wrap the trunk, branches or twigs in a spiral with aluminum wire and align it in the desired direction. The wire should not be too tight so that no traces can be seen on the tree later. In principle, you can wire and cut all year round. Olive trees usually don't mind more radical cuts, but you shouldn't overwhelm the tree. Be sure to leave three to four main shoots.

tips and tricks

It is best to prune your olive bonsai during the growing season, as cuts then heal faster and better. Be sure to treat cuts with an antiseptic to prevent fungus from taking hold.

Category:

Trees