Deciduous Bonsai Trees

Outdoor bonsai require little protection over the winter.

Bonsai is the cultivation of a tree in a small container. The Japanese word "bonsai" comes from "bon," meaning tray, and "sai," meaning plant. Bonsai originated in China about 2,000 years ago. Around A.D. 600, Chinese noble classes, monks and scholars practiced the art of contemplation and cultivation known as "penzai," with "pen" meaning vase and "zai" meaning plant. The practice of bonsai later came to Japan.

Species

According to the American Bonsai Society, suitable cold weather and deciduous bonsai can include apple or crabapple (Malus), birch (Betula), maple (Acer) and pincherry or chokecherry (Prunus). In a region with four seasons, deciduous trees native to severe winter climates can be easy to cultivate because outdoor bonsai require little protection over the winter.

Watering

The amount of watering depends on many factors: type of tree, season, current temperature, humidity, available light and location of the bonsai. Understanding the balance between too little and too much water can prove crucial. Water in the morning prior to the photosynthetic process. Room temperature tap water is right for new bonsai that may suffer shock to its roots with colder water. Begin by wetting a little of the soil to aid in absorption, and then saturate the soil.

Temperature

The word "bonsai" means tray plant.

Because these deciduous trees originate in severe winter climates, deciduous bonsai trees do not thrive indoors. If brought indoors for display, these cold climate plants should not stay at room temperature for more than 48 to 72 hours. The correct amount of available light also relates to the tree species and location of the bonsai.

Seasonal Maintenance

In spring, remove the bonsai from its winter storage. If spring growth shows, protect the tree during freezing temperatures. Early spring is the time for repotting and root pruning prior to budding and growth. Fertilizers applied every two weeks can include dilute fish or fish/seaweed emulsion. Do not fertilize a dry or sick tree. Place the bonsai away from direct sunlight in a cool, well-lit area.

In summer, take special care in watering, especially during extreme weather. Allow for more fertilization to compensate any leaching of nutrients during frequent waterings. Deciduous bonsai trees should stay in dappled shade. Take note of any diseases or pests.

During autumn, the last of the summer fertilizer should make way for rock phosphate or greensand (potassium) to strengthen roots and encourage bud formation.

In winter, after all leaves have dropped, and the tree has gone dormant, then the bonsai can move to a winter bed or storage location with little light. Temperatures should range between 20 F and 45 F to 50 F. Protect the fragile roots from extreme cold. Consider the materials of the bonsai pots or trays during freezing temperatures. Frozen soil can expand and crack apart certain containers.

International Culture

During the 1976 U.S. bicentennial, Japan presented a gift of 53 bonsai trees to the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington, D.C.

References

• American Bonsai Society: Deciduous Trees for Bonsai
• Bonsai Boy of New York: All About Bonsai
• Bonsai Clubs International: What Is Bonsai?

Resources

• Bonsai Basics: Species Guide