What is a bonsai
A bonsai is not a naturally small plant. Rather, in this art of Chinese horticulture, a tree is grown in such a way that a small but very realistic image of nature is created. For this purpose, among other things, the branches are wired so that they grow in the desired direction. Any type of plant that forms woody stems and branches is suitable for this.
also read
- Cutting a kalanchoe - this is how you need to proceed
- Propagating a kalanchoe - this is how you need to proceed
- Which location does the Kalanchoe prefer?
The Kalanchoe is not suitable as a bonsai
Unfortunately, this means that only a few succulents can be trained to become bonsai. The Kalanchoe is not one of these because it does not develop enough woody parts of the plant.
And what about the large species like the elephant ear?
Even the Beharensis, which can grow up to three meters high in the open, does not form such hard parts of the plant that they can be permanently trained in a certain shape using wire. Unfortunately, the elephant ear cannot be used as a bonsai either.
Small kalanchoes as part of similar plant art forms
Even if the Kalanchoe cannot be cared for as a bonsai, it is still suitable as an extremely attractive element of similar art forms. In Penjing and Saikei, for example, the aim is to create landscapes that are true to the original using plants, stones, water and trees that have not been artificially formed.
The small Kalanchoe species in particular fit wonderfully into these garden landscapes for the windowsill. Since the Kalanchoe cutbacks coped well, the leaf size can also be kept permanently small.
Tips
If you want to design a succulent plant as a bonsai, you can choose a money or penny tree. These plants form a woody trunk and can therefore be wonderfully guided into a wide variety of shapes.