Larch trees have these requirements
Golden larches differ from the European larch in that they need more water. In addition, the Chinese species is not frost hardy and requires wintering in a cold house. While Larix decidua likes sunny conditions, Pseudolarix amabilis needs a partially shaded location. Otherwise, the needs of both species are similar.
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water
The conifer needs constant watering all year round so that the roots are not dry. In the summer months, place the bonsai pot in a water bath until no more bubbles rise and the substrate is saturated. During winter, watering with a watering can is sufficient as soon as the soil is dry on the surface.
nutrient
As soon as the first leaves sprout in May, the first fertilization takes place. The larch enjoys a regular supply of nutrients every two to three weeks until September. Liquid fertilizers for bonsai or organic fertilizer pellets prove to be well suited. In the beginning, a nitrogenous fertilizer ensures that strong shoots develop. In the later course of the vegetation period, the plants attach importance to a balanced nutrient ratio.
How to shape the bonsai
Larch trees hardly set any limits to the imagination in bonsai art. You can try yourself out and implement many ideas. The conifer allows strictly upright growth forms or cascades. It can be grown as a twin stem or in the forest form.
Cut
Regular cuts are not a problem for the larch. The ideal time for pruning strong branches extends from winter to early spring, before the new leaf shoots begin. Make sure you have a balanced cut that is evenly distributed across the crown. If you cut back in the same areas over and over again, they will age quickly and unsightly bulges will appear in the bark.
Cutting measures:
- Remove excess and unfavorable buds
- Cut the twigs back to two leaf buds
- Shorten long shoots as soon as they are ten to 15 centimeters long
Tips
Since larches produce sticky resin as conifers, you can dispense with the use of wound closure agents. In addition, the callus tissue quickly ensures that wounds are closed.
Wires
Young shoots have soft wood and are flexible. The larch branches can be easily wired or tensioned in the winter when the buds are still firm and less sensitive than in spring. Regularly check the growth in thickness, because the branches thicken quickly. Remove the wires in time to avoid leaving marks in the bark. If you missed the right time, don't worry. Since the bark becomes flaky over time, the cuts soon grow together.
