For both beginners and enthusiasts, the jade tree is an attractive plant when it comes to bonsai art. The wood is very forgiving of mistakes made when cutting and the care is less complex compared to other types of bonsai.
The jade tree is a good choice for beginners and advanced bonsai enthusiasts
location
The jade tree is an indoor bonsai that prefers bright and sunny places. After the last late frosts in May, the mini tree can move outdoors to a sunny or partially shaded spot until September. The sun's rays cause the leaves to turn reddish. However, you should not rush the move from the interior to the garden. Place the bowl outside on cloudy days so that the shrub can get used to the outside conditions.
temperatures
Bacon trees like temperatures between ten and 25 degrees. During the winter months eight to 16 degrees are optimal, whereby Portulacaria afra tolerates up to 22 degrees Celsius all year round.
to form
Jade trees store water in plant parts such as the fleshy, thickened leaves. As a result, the young branches quickly bend under the weight of the reservoir water. Wiring is possible when the crown branches are slightly lignified. Guying is the better method to form an aesthetic crown.
To cut
Between April and September, the bacon tree tolerates regular pruning well. These are necessary if you want to encourage growth and branching of the lower branches. Place the scissors about an inch above the desired cut. After the stubs have dried, they can be clipped off without any problems. Do not use wound sealants. Due to the water storage capacity, rotting can quickly develop under the sealing.
To create a tree shape:
- Cut off lower leaves on old branches
- Remove inward and cross growing branches
- Pinch shoots as soon as they have reached the desired length
- then shorten emerging shoots to two or three leaves
maintenance
The bacon tree proves to be easy in terms of care requirements. Because this species has specific growth characteristics, its needs are different from other bonsai plants.
pour
As a succulent, this bonsai has a low water requirement. Allow the substrate to dry well for several days before watering vigorously. The cooler the environmental conditions, the less you need to water. In winter, keep watering to a minimum. If the thermometer fluctuates between eight and twelve degrees, jade trees can do without water for four to six weeks.
tips
If the bonsai sheds a lot of leaves, it has been watered too much. Waterlogging quickly leads to root rot, which can hardly be remedied. If it has come to this, you should save the tree with cuttings.
Fertilize
In the growth phase from May to September, the jade tree is grateful for a regular administration of liquid fertilizer. Add this to the irrigation water and pour the mixture onto the already moistened substrate. Do not administer nutrients in winter.