The perfect location sets the course
The best care program comes to nothing when a crab apple lacks sun. You should therefore place the bonsai pot in a sunny and warm location that is not exposed to the blazing midday sun. In the open air, we also recommend a location sheltered from the wind, so that the wonderful flowers are not disheveled.
also read
- Ficus benjamina as a bonsai - care instructions with tips & tricks
- Tips for caring for privet bonsai
- Growing a copper beech as a bonsai - tips for care
How to water and fertilize properly
The water and nutrient requirement of a crabapple hybrid is just as high as a bonsai as it is under normal conditions in bucket - scaled to the mini format. So pour and fertilize You in the right proportion:
- Do not allow the substrate to dry out at any time
- If necessary, water several times a day on warm summer days
- Fertilize sparingly in March / April
- Increase the nutrient supply in proportion to the flowering and fruit setting
We recommend using an organic bonsai fertilizer. With preparations such as the Bio C3 fertilizer or Sanung Ultra, you specifically avoid the risk of salinization. Every 14 days, apply 1 tablespoon of fertilizer granules to every 50 square centimeters of substrate surface and pour in more. In August, switch to a potassium fertilizer to strengthen the winter hardiness. From September until February you stop the nutrient supply.
Cutting requires a rethink
When it comes to pruning, the ornamental apple falls out of the ordinary as a bonsai. Continuous pruning is not recommended so that you can fully enjoy magnificent flowers and distinctive fruity hangings. Instead, let the wood grow unhindered into July. Only then do you use scissors to shorten the branches.
In late winter, thin out the crown thoroughly and just shorten too long shoots to the desired length. In addition, branches that are too dense and directed inward are removed on this occasion.
Tips
At a young age, vigorous growth determines the cultivation of a crabapple bonsai. At the beginning of the year, repot the wood in a larger bowl. A mix of 70 percent Akadama and 30 percent gravel has proven itself as a substrate for young trees. At an advanced age, the gravel content is reduced to 10 percent in favor of 20 percent humus.
