Growing Cherry Trees Bonsai
How to Grow Cherry Trees Bonsai
Bonsai is an old Japanese art of growing decorative tiny or intentionally shrunk trees in containers to replicate full-sized trees.
A favorite of both bonsai enthusiasts and novice gardeners, the cherry tree has lovely blooms and delicate foliage.
While cherry trees are originally from China, their blossoms have become a symbol of Japan, and they are thought to represent friendship.
Beyond their attractiveness, cherry trees are ideal for bonsai. They are low-maintenance and adapt well to pruning and training.
Bonsai Cherry Tree Care
Bonsai cherry require less light than other bonsai and respond well to training and shaping. Wiring is a vital aspect of growing and shaping a healthy pine bonsai tree. Wiring is the procedure of wrapping a wire around the bonsai tree's branches to reposition them.
To avoid damaging the delicate buds and new growth in the spring and summer, it is better to wire cherry tree bonsai in the fall or winter. Never leave the wiring on for longer than six months.
Lights
The delicate blossoms and foliage of cherry tree bonsai prefer partial sun and cannot endure full sun. The optimal site has dappled morning and evening light but is shaded from the afternoon sun.
Soil
The soil for bonsai cherry trees must have proper drainage. It is better to use commercial bonsai soil, which is specially prepared for bonsai trees. 5.5-6.5 pH is ideal for cherry bonsai soil.
Water
Cherry tree bonsai prefer distilled water over hard tap water and need constant wet and humid conditions. The soil should be evenly damp but not wet. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
During the spring and summer months when these trees are actively growing, they will require more frequent watering. Never dry out a cherry tree bonsai.
Temperature and Humidity.
Warm spring and summer temperatures, humidity, and moderate winter temperatures are ideal for cherry tree bonsai. So, like other bonsai, they do best outdoors all year.
Though considered somewhat frost-tolerant, these trees should be protected from heavy frost and harsh winters.
Fertilizer
Feed your bonsai cherry tree every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Older trees may require less frequent fertilization than young trees. In the fall and winter, they only need to be fertilized once.
Pruning
Keeping your cherry tree bonsai healthy and beautiful requires regular pruning and shaping. Start pruning once the tree has stopped blooming, generally in the summer.
Preserve extensive pruning of primary branches or stems for the winter months.
When pruning new growth, be careful not to remove all of it. Some fresh sprouts should always be left to ensure the tree's growth. Remember that severe pruning can reduce the following year's bloom.
Repotting
Repot cherry tree bonsai every two years, older trees every three to five years. Spring repotting is best done before the tree blooms.
Choosing a new pot for your cherry tree bonsai requires careful consideration. In addition to providing appropriate drainage, restricting root growth, and wiring holes to help wire the branches, bonsai pots offer many other features.
Remember that a bonsai pot's height and width should not exceed 2/3 of the tree's height and width, both for function (root limitation) and aesthetic.
After repotting a cherry tree bonsai, keep it in a slightly shaded place until it has established. Newly repotted cherry tree bonsai are particularly vulnerable.
Cherry Tree Bonsai Varieties
There are several different varieties of cherry trees that can be utilized for bonsai, but the most recognized variety linked with the lovely cherry blossoms of Japan is Prunus serrulata (commonly called Sakura). Some other popular varieties:
- Yelloensis (Yoshino)
- ‘Kanzan'
Pests/Diseases
Many common pests and diseases do not affect healthy cherry tree bonsai. Observe the tree for aphids and caterpillars that may have travelled there from nearby plants. Watch for diseases such as peach leaf curl, bloom wilt, and taphrina wiesneri.
