Site conditions
In order for the bonsai to bear numerous berries, it needs a location in full sun. Its natural home is the temperate climate zones and accordingly it should be protected from frost and cold wind. To prevent sunburn on the leaves, it is advisable to use the Firethorn to protect from the midday sun in the summer months.
also read
- The firethorn feels at home in this location
- The firethorn combines aesthetics and functionality
- The firethorn hedge: Dense protection for your property
Watering and fertilizing
Keep the bonsai evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging as the firethorn reacts to excess moisture with root rot. During the flowering period, the bonsai is worth using regular fertilizers with commercially available bonsai fertilizers with a rich fruit yield. After flowering only every 14 days fertilize.
The bonsai design
Light the bonsai at the end of March and the end of August and remove old wood during this maintenance cut. Fresh shoots are continuously shortened to two pairs of leaves if no growth in length is desired.
The firethorn can usually be brought into the desired shape through the regular cut. If this is not possible, you can both wire and tension the bonsai. Since it is often difficult to wire because of the strong thorns, tensioning is preferred. Always wear gloves when working as the thorns cause painful injuries.
Repot
In the first few years you should repot the small bonsai every two years. Older bonsais only get a larger planter when needed. Put the firethorn in bonsai soil, to which you add about a third of Akadama soil (mineral granulate made from volcanic ash).
Diseases and pests
Many species of firethorn are very susceptible to fire blight and scab. When choosing a bonsai, look for resistant varieties.
Pest infestation with
- Aphids
- Scale insects
- Leaf miners
occurs frequently. Fight the plant pests with suitable insecticides, as the plant can take massive damage.
Wintering:
The firethorn bonsai should overwinter in a cool but frost-free room. Since many varieties are not very hardy and cannot absorb enough water in the bonsai pot to supply the leaves when it is frosty, the winter quarters should always be frost-free.
Tips & Tricks
The old, woody branches of the firethorn bonsai are very brittle. Wire these carefully.