Raising Japanese holly as a bonsai

How do I grow a bonsai from Japanese holly?

Since the Japanese holly grows very slowly, it can be designed very well in different shapes, depending on your preference in an upright style or cloud or spherical shape. Note, however, that the red or black berries of this plant poisonous and should not be accessible to children if possible.

In the summer, the Japanese holly should be pruned every six to eight weeks with a well-sharpened tool. When repotting, you will also prune the roots so that your holly will have a balanced appearance.

In the winter months you can use wire to shape the holly into the shape you want. As soon as the twigs and trunk begin to grow thick again in May, remove the wire so that it does not leave any unsightly marks on the bark.

How do I care for the Japanese holly as a bonsai?

As a thirsty plant, the Japanese holly should definitely be watered regularly. If the fine roots dry out, they also die off quickly. You should therefore avoid the soil drying out, this is especially important in the warm season. Since the Japanese holly belongs to the evergreen plants, it must be well watered even in winter.

If you have forgotten to water it, immersing the plant pot in water or rinsing the plant will help. It is best to use rainwater for this, so that your holly does not get any lime stains on the leaves. Fertilize you should use the Japanese holly from spring to autumn with organic fertilizer or a special bonsai fertilizer.

The essentials in brief:

• best grown as an outdoor bonsai
• water regularly
• Prune about every 6 to 8 weeks in summer
• Root cut when repotting
• fertilize regularly from spring to autumn