The Japanese cord tree, which is now listed under the scientific name Styphnolobium japonicum, is a popular ornamental tree. As it belongs to the Patrician family, it develops aesthetic flowers. As a wood that is sensitive to moisture and loves warmth, it differs from most typical bonsai.
Sophora prostata is the best cord tree for growing bonsai
Which variety is suitable?
Sophora grows as a shallow root that finds ample space in shallow trays and only requires root pruning when needed during repotting. Due to the small pinnate leaves, the cord tree is well suited for bonsai design, with Sophora prostata 'Little Baby' (synonym: Sophora japonica) forming tiny leaves the size of a match head. The trees develop zigzag shoots, which gives the mini tree a bizarre appearance.
Shape a bonsai
The cord tree allows for many styles. It can be freely designed upright or formed into semi-cascades and cascades. Multiple trunks and entire forests are also possible. Once the basic form is in place, refinements are made exclusively through the cut. Wire application is done only at the early stage.
cutting technique
So that young plants branch out quickly and develop a treetop with several tiers, you should prune the main shoot as soon as possible. Keep an eye on the desired shape with every pruning measure and cut back the fresh shoots to one or two leaves. Cutting back into the old wood is not a problem for this species.
wire technology
Start wiring the main branches when the young trees are very young. The ideal season is June. Wrap the aluminum wire in a spiral around the branches, not too tight, and bend them into the desired orientation. The wires stay on the branch for a maximum of six months, although you should regularly check the growth of the plant. If you want to shape older branches, the anchoring technique is recommended in the spring. The newly emerging sap stream makes the specimens a bit more flexible.
Expectations
Cord trees require an outdoor space during the growth phase that ensures sunny to partially shaded and breezy conditions. They do well in a bonsai uniform soil that is permeable and offers constantly moist conditions. The trees spend the winter in the cold house. If the thermometer falls sharply into the minus range, damage can occur in the root area. Frost ensures that the green leaves fall off the branches and the fine shoots freeze slightly.
Temperatures in winter:
- no more than six degrees
- ideally frost-free
- minimum minus five degrees
watering and fertilizing
Keep the soil evenly moist in summer with regular watering. Give a liquid fertilizer over the irrigation water every two weeks until midsummer. During the winter, water more sparingly so that the substrate does not dry out.
tips
Solid organic fertilizer balls have proven themselves. If you bury two to three cones, the bonsai will benefit from nutrients for the next three months.