Mastic bonsai

When buying a bonsai, there are many species that you can consider. In supermarkets, from time to time they bring some well-known varieties, but which are not for beginners, especially the Carmona or the serissa. But what about the bonsai mastic? Have you heard of him?

To begin with, you should know that it is a bush-type bonsai that adapts very well to any climate. Therefore, today we are talking about him.

Characteristics of the mastic bonsai

Before talking about what care this bonsai needs, it is important that you know what type of plant we are referring to. The mastic bonsai, with a scientific name Pistacia Lentiscus, is actually a evergreen shrub. It is dioecious, that is, it has male and female specimens. Something very characteristic of this shrub is that it has a very noticeable scent of resin.

It grows mainly in coastal areas and in holm oaks. In fact, it is a Mediterranean shrub and is characterized by being very resistant. Because of this, it is one of the species that is used as bonsai. These They acquire a small and medium size and especially are the masculine ones (a female one is much rarer to find).

Regarding its shape, its trunk acquires a similarity (in thickness and size) to that of a tree, even though we are talking about a bush. It has petioled and alternate leaves on the branches and in spring it will delight you with some flowers in clusters.

Mastic bonsai care

Now that you know a little more about mastic bonsai, it's time to learn how to care for it. To do this, we start from the basis that it is a resistant plant and suitable for beginners for this same reason. That said, what you should take care of is:

Location

Bonsai are thought to be plants to keep indoors, but in reality this is not the case. In fact, it is best to have it outside, always. Now, there are some who need a higher temperature than what may be outside.

In the case of the mastic, this shrub is very good outdoors. In fact, you have to place it full sun, although if you put it in semi-shadow, nothing will happen either.

Temperature

In many mastic bonsai tiles it is said to tolerate both heat and cold. But you have to specify a bit. And is that this bonsai is true that it tolerates heat, and in fact it is not affected by high temperatures. But the same does not happen with the cold.

Es able to withstand the cold, yes, but not frost. When the temperature drops to -1 degrees, then you can start to suffer and your health will decline.

Earth

We must start from the fact that the bonsai mastic it does not require a specific land to develop. It is able to adapt to what you give it. Now, if you want to provide a good substrate, it is best to use one that drains well. For example, akadama or kiryuzuna, mixed with compost or worm castings, volcanic gravel, or pumice.

But, as we tell you, it is not the type that requires a specific or well-cared-for floor.

Flower pot

One of the aspects that you should take into account when caring for a mastic bonsai is the type of pot it has. Actually, the design of this will depend on the shape of the bonsai but it is recommended that they are not enameled pots. Why? Well, due to the general rules of bonsai.

Irrigation

Irrigation is one of the most important care of bonsai, and the reason why almost all end up dying. In the case of the mastic, it likes water very much. But not the puddles nor the humidity.

You have to water it often, yes, but you don't have to overdo it. For example, in summer, it may be necessary to water every other day. But if it is very hot, then it is better to water it daily, even if it is a little less. In winter, you could water it twice a week, once if the weather is colder.

It will really be the bonsai himself who determines the irrigation he needs. You just have to look at the base and see if it dries fast or not.

Fertilizer

El Bonsai fertilization, like that of other plants, occurs twice a year: in spring and in autumn. Now, if in any of those moments you are going to transplant it, it is not recommended that you add compost as well.

For example, if you are going to pay it in October, until spring you could not transplant it; and backwards.

Transplant

Mastic bonsai can be transplanted. In fact, when the specimen is young, it is normal to do so so that it can develop and grow. But when it is an adult, you can simply cut roots and wash the root ball to re-plant it in the same pot.

Of course, it is not done every year. Usually, in adult specimens, it is done every 3-4 years while the young (which are the ones we usually buy) should be done every 2-3 years.

Bonsai fence

Another care to keep in mind is the wiring of the branches. It is basically used to "model" the bonsai so that it takes the shape you want, not leaving it to your own free will.

This should be done with anodized aluminum wire, and you have to take care that he does not spend a lot of time with him because in the end he will leave marks on the branches.

Plagues and diseases

Although we have said that the mastic bonsai is a very resistant shrub, the truth is that, although it is not normal for pests to affect it, it can have presence of green aphids, especially in the youngest shoots.

In conclusion, we can say that the mastic bonsai is one of the best to start with in the bonsai world for its resistance and its ability to adapt. That does not mean that you can leave it to your free will and not worry about it, especially in terms of watering, but it will support those oversights that are committed when you are a beginner. Do you have any bonsai of this type at home? How such an experience is it giving you?