In the world of bonsai, there are many easy-to-maintain bonsai beyond those found in supermarkets (which are easy, except for Ficus, they have nothing). Such is the case of the almond tree bonsai, one of those indicated for beginners and very easy to obtain.
But how to maintain an almond bonsai? If you want to have one and you don’t know what the main care for this tree is, then you have to read this that we have prepared for you.
Contents
How is the almond tree
Source Teacher
The almond tree is characterized by being one of the most used in dry and very sunny climates. And this despite the fact that its origin is from Central Asia. Today it has spread to many parts of the world, being especially present in southern Spain.
scientific name Amygdalus communisThis tree is deciduous and fast growing. It has a white and light wood which makes it water resistant and can reach 10 meters in height. It does not tolerate frost but it tolerates heat.
As for its leaves, they are wide and have long petioles. In addition, the flowers, between white and pink, are the most beautiful (rivalling those of the cherry tree). It always blooms in January and February (although some are earlier).
Finally, we have the fruits, which are harvested in August, September and October, the almonds, rich in calcium, iron and protein.
And in bonsai? To have an almond bonsai it is necessary to have a seed or cuttings of almond tree or pre-bonsai. This can reach a maximum of one meter, even if the most beautiful are those that are smaller. They go through the same phases as a normal almond tree, flowering (in this case much smaller flowers) and in some cases giving small almonds.
Almond Bonsai Care
Source: Shanghai Nurseries
After seeing some of the main characteristics of the almond tree, it’s time to learn how to take care of an almond bonsai tree. In general, it does not require great care, but it is important to know them to know how to make it develop healthily and that it does not give you complications (and it gives you joy).
Location
If you want your almond bonsai to be well and happy where you put it, you must take into account that it needs a lot of sun. A lot.
These are trees that, even in miniature, require several hours of direct sunlight, which is why you should consider such a site. Indeed, if you put it in partial shade or in the shade, you will notice that the leaves languish, and that they will also fall and there will be less of them.
That is why, even if it is a bonsai, it is better to place it outside, and not inside. Of course, sheltered from drafts that can affect it.
Temperature
As we mentioned earlier, almond trees do not tolerate frost. Now, that doesn’t mean you’re going to die from experiencing a freeze, far from it. Almond trees are very hardy trees and, once adapted to their environment, they can tolerate cold and even frost.
However, in the case of a bonsai, they are more delicate and must be protected if the temperatures drop too much to prevent the roots from suffering, above all.
earth
The almond bonsai is not one of those who have problems with the soil, because the truth is that it adapts to everything. but if you really want to keep it healthy, it’s best to do a combination of soil and drainage, like akadama and kiryuu or akadama and apple.
You should keep in mind that the pH of this tree should be between 5.5 and 8.4.
Irrigation
Watering an almond bonsai does not need to be abundant, quite the contrary. Almond trees tolerate lack of water very well. In fact, when you overdo the irrigation, it can end up affecting it negatively.
For this reason, it is best to water it once a week in summer, and in winter every two or three weeks (in some cases it can also be watered monthly).
In fact, what will let you know when to water is the soil. If it dries very quickly you will have to water it then wait for it to dry, and once it is like that, wait 1-2 more days to water it again.
Pass
Almond trees are always fertilized during their growing season, which is when they need the most nutrients to thrive. Normally, balls or pellets are used which decompose in the soil and gradually provide it with nutrients.
In general, you should keep in mind that it should be paid once a week or every two weeks. In winter, it will have to be every 2 to 4 weeks.
Source: Royal Botanical Garden
Cut
Here, it must be explained that there are two different sizes, on the one hand that of the branches; and on the other hand that of the roots.
Branch pruning should always be done before flowering (and keep in mind that this is done between January and February). Therefore, it is recommended to carry it out in late autumn or early winter.
When cutting branches, you should start with those that appear dead or harmful, then continue with those that cross. Of course, be careful with branches with buds, as these may indicate that they will soon bloom.
When it comes to root pruning, almond bonsai is one of the ways many have to reduce pot size (and make them smaller while maintaining the same structure). Of course, you have to be careful because if you go too far with it, the branches can dry out. Therefore, when the almond tree is older, more care should be taken.
Pests and diseases of almond bonsai
Although the almond bonsai does not have major pests or diseases, there are some issues that you need to take into account related to risk or lack of sunlight.
Multiplication
As we have already told you, the reproduction of an almond tree is done through its fruit, the almond tree. But if you want to shorten the time, you can always get a cutting or an almond tree.
Some bonsai shops also offer pre-bonsai almond trees ready to be converted into bonsai. Plus, they’re not too expensive and save you a few years of development.
Do you have any doubts about the maintenance of almond bonsai? Ask us.