Trees of life prove to be very well tolerated by pruning, which is why the trees are perfect for bonsai art. The impatient are put to the test, because Thuja species grow slowly. Those who dare will be rewarded with aesthetic growth forms.
Trees of life grow very slowly
Expectations
Arborvitae require a light location that is not in full sun. As an outdoor bonsai, the plant survives the winter outdoors.
pouring behaviour
As with all bonsai trees, you should keep the soil constantly moist without waterlogging. When the summer months are particularly hot, daily watering is required. By rinsing the needles, you ensure a moist climate in the crown.
nutrient supply
If the tree is in the growth phase, which mainly extends from May to September, it needs sufficient nutrients for healthy growth. Give a liquid fertilizer with the irrigation water every two weeks. During the winter months, reduce the intervals to two-month intervals.
repot
Young trees require soil replacement every two to three years. They grow faster, so the planting bowl quickly becomes too small for them. Older specimens have a slower growth rate and only need to be repotted when their root ball has completely grown through the pot. As part of this measure, you can shorten the root system so that there is a balance between leaf mass and roots.
Arborvitae like this substrate:
- conventional potting soil with high permeability
- pure Akadama soil
- Mixture of universal and Kiryuerde, each 50 percent
hibernate
Thujas prove to be hardy, whereby the light supply must be guaranteed even in the cold season. Since the needles need water all year round, the earth must not freeze in winter. Otherwise, the roots can no longer ensure the water supply, so that the leaves dry up and fall off. In the harsh winter months, protection is advisable to avoid red-brown discoloration of the needles.
design and styles
Apart from the broom shape, all styles are possible to bring the tree of life into an attractive miniature shape. Free and strict upright forms or forest designs and small groups have an aesthetic effect. A bonsai on rocks is also easily realizable.
To cut
If you form a conifer into a bonsai, corrective interventions are necessary. This way you keep the growth small. The needles of Thuja species are arranged in a fan shape in whorls, which are shortened by plucking off the tip at the beginning of each growing season. Trees of life tolerate a pruning back into the old wood without any problems, because they are characterized by a strong shoot.
wire
This method can be used all year round to bend the branches into a desired shape. Wrap aluminum wire in a spiral around the young branches, which are easy to bend. Regularly check how fast the branch is getting thicker. So that no unsightly marks remain in the bark, you must remove the wire in good time.