Why this change in shape?
Those who love trees will find a suitable species for every available space that can thrive there with its natural growth. The bonsai is primarily a horticultural gimmick and less of a necessity.
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The bonsai larch looks like a tree, but it is mostly a room plant, even if the good winter hardiness makes it possible to stay outdoors permanently.
Tips
In the event that you want to grow a bonsai yourself: The cut-compatible Japanese larch is best suited for this cutting training.
Buy bonsai or shape it yourself?
Good-looking bonsais are available online for as little as 50 euros. You have already received a basic shape, which is why the further cutting effort is a feasible challenge even for laypeople.
Those who enjoy design can start with a small young larch and let their creativity run free. It remains to be seen whether the result fulfills the ideal, it will always be individual.
Properly cut bonsai
The bonsai pruning is an art in itself, because the possibilities are diverse. If you want to try it out, you should study the relevant specialist literature. The larch can be cut into different shapes using the appropriate cutting technique, e.g. B. in:
- Twin stem
- cascade
- Forest shape
Anyone who buys a bonsai that has already reached its final shape only needs to regularly pluck the new shoots.
The optimal location
The bonsai likes it very sunny just like the big larch. His pot can also be outside in a room. In winter he doesn't even have to move into a protective quarter, because the larch remains hardy even as a bonsai.
Watering and fertilizing
The soil of a bonsai must be evenly moist all year round. Regularly reaching for the watering can is essential, whereby the time interval and the watering amount are influenced by the time of year. In winter you have to water more sparingly, while the pot can also take a longer water bath on hot days.
There are special bonsai fertilizers for bonsai in stores, the nutrient combination of which is optimally matched to the requirements of the miniature plants.
- fertilize every two weeks from May
- as soon as the first shoot is visible
- Fertilize not set until September
Repot Bonsai larch
Although the larch does not grow visibly for years, it still needs new housing every now and then. Their "invisible" roots can be described as vigorous.
- Repot every two to three years
- shortly before budding in spring
- alternatively in late autumn
- Use Akadama as a bonsai soil
No new and larger pot is necessary for repotting. Only the roots are cut back and the old substrate is replaced by a new one.
Diseases and pests
The mini larch can be attacked by woolly lice and mealybugs. Regular checks help to detect the infestation at an early stage and to combat it with suitable measures.