Willow Bonsai

The willow bonsai has everything you look for in growing miniature trees. Small leaves, good branching results, and excellent base roots with aerial root formation lend itself to be a perfect choice for hobbyists.

The willow leaf fig is called by many names. Its lovely appearance of a tiny sized willow tree makes it is a wonderful selection for any style of bonsai. The translation of the Japanese word bonsai means tree in a dish.

Where Bonsai Willow Best

Grown

Weeping Willow Bonsai Tree is best grown in full sun for reduction of leaf and internodes size. The miniature tree must be protected from freezing temperatures and frost. Bonsai thrive in humidity and sunlight making the kitchen windows a prime location on sunny days.

The willow leaf fig is a native of Indonesia. In humid shady environments similar to its homeland, the gray trunk thickens, aerial roots develop, and branches. The leaves are dark green, lance-shaped, 1 to 3 inches long, and ½ to ¾ of an inch wide. New leaves are colored pinkish to bronze, typically curl, and straighten as they age.

Soil

Use a specialized brown or red akadama soil that can be purchased at a local garden supply center. This soil drains more than average potting soils. It encourages a slower growth rate, which allows the grower time to shape the miniature trees. Willow prefers a well draining and slightly acid mixture soil.

Quality, usable soil is not difficult to make. A good recipe for bonsai willow soil consists of mixing one part loam, two parts granite grit with two parts sphagnum peat moss. Bonsai are rooted in a small amount of soil compared to typical potted houseplants.

A Bonsai is genetically modified to remain dwarfed. It must be cared for on a regular basis. Provide it with adequate sunlight, water, and air, and the miniature will survive as long as a tree growing naturally from the same species.

Bonsais need a lot of pruning, both of roots and branches. Wiring and pruning can be done anytime. Pinching must be continually throughout the year for maintaining shape. The side branches of the willow bonsai need to be constantly kept in check.

* Feed lightly but regularly year round with a well balanced fertilizer.

* Easily propagated by cuttings taken in the summer.

* Pot cuttings in swallow containers. Shortly after potting, an entirely new set of roots will develop.

* Sudden changes in temperature or lighting may shock the bonsai. If shedding its leaves occurs, new ones will grow soon. Avoid over watering during the interim.

* Repot willow during warm weather. It may require repotting twice a year.

* Willow bonsai is subject to mealy bugs, spider mites, and scale insects.

Water

Bonsai Willow require frequent watering due to its being grown in limited amounts of soil. Never allow the soil to dry out completely.

Bonsai first appeared over a thousand years ago in China. The practice of growing specimen trees in pots was considered as an expression of ancient beliefs representing the harmony between man, nature, heaven, and earth. The bonsai traveled to Japan, where the miniatures were brought indoors at special times.

Through growing a bonsai plant, you experience firsthand a rhythm of the seasons. The willow bonsai allows the grower to create shapes with this fascinating miniature tree. Cultivating a bonsai requires care and gives the gift of beauty and tranquility in return.

Custom Search

Return to bonsai gardening page from Willow Bonsai