Growing chestnuts as bonsai

Some bonsai professionals also avoid the chestnut because it has fairly large leaves. As a result, this tree is not so easy to grow as a bonsai and it can take a long time until the proportions are actually harmonious. It's not impossible, but it does take some work.

How do I grow a chestnut as a bonsai?

Would you like a chestnut as a bonsai? draw, then it is best to start with the young plant right away. Choose a small pot right from the start, this will limit the space for the roots to grow. The chestnut grows slowly like this.

A root cut is also recommended for the first three years. When doing this, shorten the roots by a third each time. In this way you will achieve that the leaves gradually get smaller and the overall appearance of your bonsai is more harmonious.

How do I prune the shoots?

When your chestnut sprouts, let the new shoots grow for a while until about two to three pairs of leaves appear. With each pair of leaves, the leaves become a little larger than the previous ones. Then shorten the shoot to just behind the first pair of leaves. This is how you “train” your chestnut to have smaller and smaller leaves.

How do I care for my chestnut bonsai?

Even as a bonsai, the chestnut needs a bright, sunny one Location. Keep the substrate moist, but not wet. Because waterlogging easily leads to Ink sicknesswhich, like the chestnut crab, can lead to the death of the tree. Salty water leave the Leaf margins brown will. In spring, your bonsai can handle a small amount of special fertilizer.

Which types of chestnuts are suitable as bonsai?

You can, in principle, from anyone anyone Type of chestnut grow a bonsai. The procedure is always the same and the maintenance is similar. Only the nutritional requirements differ a little. the Sweet chestnut reacts somewhat sensitively to a high lime content in the substrate. the Australian chestnut however, it is a completely different plant with its own needs.

The essentials in brief:

• choose a small pot
• Root pruning in the first 3 years: shorten roots by 1/3
• regularly cut off shoots above the first pair of leaves
• Keep the substrate moist
• Use water that is low in lime and salt
• fertilize a little in spring