As an evergreen tree, the cork oak is particularly popular in bonsai art. In addition, this species develops comparatively small leaflets in an alternate arrangement. The furrowed bark on the trunk and older branches completes the overall picture.
February/March is the best time for trimming the mini cork oak
design options
The cork oak primarily allows upright bonsai forms, in which the strong-growing main trunk is particularly stable. These can be designed through targeted cuts without having to reach for the wire. If the tree has developed thick branches that you want to redirect, corrections with guy wires prove to be useful.
To cut
The evergreen wood can be pruned from February or March. Regularly reduce the shoots to one or two leaves during the season. If the focus is on growth in thickness, leave the foliage on the branches. When the desired size is reached, grab the scissors.
wire
Young branches tend to grow steeply upwards. These can be tensioned and thus redirected to an angle of 45 degrees or a horizontal direction of growth. A bonsai branch clamp is also suitable for creating bends in the branches.
location
Between spring and fall, the Quercus species prefers an outdoor spot, loving full sun. Wind and rain are no problem.
winter
The wood can withstand light frost down to minus five degrees for a short time without suffering any damage. Nevertheless, it is advisable to place it in a bright and frost-free place in good time. Since the plant is evergreen, it needs sufficient light and mild temperatures even in winter. The thermometer should not rise above ten degrees in the winter quarters.
care measures
The cork oak has similar care requirements as most trees that are cultivated as bonsai. Due to the limited conditions in the planting tray, you have to constantly monitor the water and nutrient supply.
repot
Young cork oaks get new substrate every two years. As part of this measure, reduce the root ball by a third. In this way you stimulate the tree to form fresh roots and give it new strength. During the next growing season it benefits from the nutrients that the exchanged mass of soil brings with it.
Ideal substrate composition:
- 40 percent Akadama earth
- 40 percent pumice or lava granules
- 20 percent soil for outdoor bonsai
pour
In summer, Quercus suber has a high water requirement, which you must meet regularly. Check the substrate surface weekly. Once this dries up, the mini tree requires penetrating watering. In the cold season, reduce the intensity of watering, as the soil dries more slowly. Never let the wood dry out.
Fertilize
From April, fertilization at intervals of three weeks makes sense. Stop this measure at the end of August so that the miniature oak goes into the dormant phase. To harden against the winter cold, an autumn fertilizer is recommended, which you spread on the surface of the earth.