Would you like to have an apple tree but you don't have space? Well, that's why you don't have to worry. If you have a balcony or a small table that you can have outdoors, you can taste your own apples. Although these will only serve as a snack, the tree that produces them will give you much more than that.
Because apple tree bonsai is one of the easiest to care for, being suitable for beginners. So if you want to know what care you should provide, then we will talk about it.
Before going on to talk about the apple tree bonsai, it is important to first know the tree itself, that is, the apple tree, since the bonsai is made from it. You need to remember that There are NO bonsai seedsConsequently, these types of plants are made and not born. When sowing a seed, if it germinates it will grow ... as it has to grow: as a tree, shrub, palm tree, ... or as its genetics dictate.
Therefore, in addition, knowing what the plant is like in the wild, and what its cycles and needs are, will help you to work your tree in a much more respectful way with it.
Origin and characteristics of the apple tree
Image - Flickr / Ingolf Dahl
The apple tree is a deciduous tree or small tree native to Asia, specifically between Kazakhstan and China. Reaches a maximum height of 5 meters, with a wide and rounded crown, formed by branches that develop almost horizontally. Its leaves are oval or obtuse, with generally serrated margins, green and pubescent on the underside.
Blooms in spring, before the budding of the leaves. The flowers are hermaphroditic and white, grouping in umbelliform or corymbiform cymes. The fruits are globose poms of green, reddish, or yellow color.
It is a plant of great horticultural interest, since it not only produces edible fruits, but also has a high ornamental value, and it can even work quite well as bonsai.
What are the cares for apple tree bonsai?
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- Image - Wikimedia / Jeremy norbury
If you have just purchased one or are planning to do so, we recommend providing the following care:
Location
The apple tree is a tree that It must be outside, in full sun. It needs to feel the passing of the seasons, so it cannot grow indoors.
On the other hand, it must be taken into account that, due to its origin, it is able to resist frost, but if you live in a tropical climate you will eventually weaken and die. Why? Because it needs to 'rest', and it does so as soon as the temperatures drop below 10ºC and when the frost starts to show.
If we keep it in an area where the climate is mild and warm all year round, the tree will be forced to grow every day, something that will weaken it as it is not prepared for it.
For you to understand a little better, it would be something similar to if we drank a large amount of stimulating drinks to keep us awake day and night, which would undoubtedly lead us to get sick ... just like the apple tree if we grow it in a tropical region.
Substratum
akadama
When it is grown as bonsai, and in order not to have problems, it is advisable to use 100% Akadama (on sale here), or mix this with 20% arlite or pearlite. In this way, its roots will have a correct development and the plant will be able to grow with better health.
Irrigation
Irrigation must be frequent, but we must avoid puddling of the roots. Whenever you water, use a specific bonsai watering can (for sale here). If you prefer, make one out of a half-liter plastic bottle, piercing the top with something that will allow you to make very small holes, such as sewing scissors.
Water 3-4 times a week during the summer, and slightly less the rest of the year.. Do not wet the leaves or flowers, and if you put a plate under it, remove the water that has been left 20 minutes after watering.
Subscriber
From early spring to late summer, with a specific fertilizer for bonsai (for sale No products found.) following the instructions specified on the package.
If you want to consume their apples, better use natural fertilizers.
Pruning
After flowering, dry, diseased and weak branches must be cut.. Likewise, the length of the branches should be reduced a little, cutting them to two leaves when they have produced 6-8.
When it is bearing fruit, if you see that it has a large amount of fruit, do not hesitate to remove a part.
Pinching
Pinching consists of trimming excessively growing branches a little. It is done throughout the year, with previously disinfected scissors.
Transplant
The apple tree bonsai has to be transplanted every two years, in spring.
Rusticity
It resists frosts of up to -12 ° C.
Where to buy an apple tree bonsai?
Image - Wikimedia / Sage Ross
Get it from here.