Bonsai oak photo source: Clasf
The world of bonsai is much larger than what you see from time to time in supermarkets. These specimens, which are sold as easy-care plants, sometimes are not. But there is no doubt that if you look a little more, you find others that are beautiful. For example, he bonsai oak
Its size, the way it grows and the presence it acquires if you take good care of it, make it ideal for any home. But, How to maintain an oak bonsai?
Contents
how is the oak
The holm oak bonsai, with the scientific name Quercus ilex, is also known as holm oak. It is a tree that is often found in Mediterranean countries and is characterized by its cultivation in dry climates.
In its original form, it can easily reach 25 meters., although it is normal that it does not reach 15 years. It has a rounded crown and bears fruit, the acorns. The trunk is initially smooth but, over the years, it cracks and takes on a darker shade.
the the oak leaves are very small, compared to the size you can have. But also, at the ends, they have a kind of spikes; yes, only in young specimens adults lose this quality in their leaves.
He is one of the toughest plants you can have and it also germinates very easily, which is why holm oak bonsai trees are created.
Visually, you will find a tough and leafy look, which is why they can withstand any type of climate change, from extreme heat to the most intense cold.
And in the case of oak bonsai, you should know that It is one of the most recommended for beginners. because it is resistant to almost everything, it grows in a balanced way and you can also shape it without having to worry about strictly adhering to its requirements.
Green oak bonsai care
Source: bonsai
Speaking of those treatments, here you have all the ones you need. When you read it, you will see that it is not a copy that requires a lot, quite the contrary. So if you want to learn about bonsai, do not lose sight of this one.
Location
As we have already told you, the holm oak bonsai It adapts to all climates, whether wet, dry… He prefers the dry, but in reality, he adapts to everything. Thus, the location of this bonsai can be both indoors and outdoors.
Now, if we wanted to give him the best care, you should place him in a area where there is direct sun because he loves it very much and will also achieve better development. Only if you see that it is too sunny (for example, in summer it is hotter and it can burn you if it is too long), it would be placed in partial shade.
Don’t worry about moving it too much, because tolerate drastic changes and is able to adapt to changes in temperature.
Temperature
The bonsai above is one of those He has no preferences in terms of temperature. It can perfectly live in any season of water, whether in cold or frost, or in extreme heat.
Now keep in mind that in bonsai its roots are more compact and much closer to the surface than in specimens planted in the ground. This do that during severe frosts, the roots can be damaged or at least weakened. If this happens, the integrity of the tree will be at risk.
Therefore, it is better to try to cover them to prevent this from happening to you.
earth
The truth is that this bonsai It is not as demanding as others in terms of the substrate to be used. But it is true that a mixture of 70% akadama and 30% volcanic clay is the best you can use. Now, that doesn’t mean it’s the only thing. In fact, it adapts to what you give it.
For example, you can also make a mixture of coarse (drainage) sand, granular clay and soil. Or coarse sand, akadama and topsoil.
What you need to keep in mind is that needs the soil to be well drained as it does not like water too much and, in fact, he doesn’t like a puddle at all.
Irrigation
Watering oak bonsai is curious. Many bonsai need water and keep them moist. But not in the case of oak. In this case, you just need to Water it when the soil is dry. And it is not necessary to add a lot, quite the contrary.
What happens if you overwater? Any. This tree takes it well, although it shouldn’t happen to you very often.
In general, it is better than when you see that the surface is dry, water it a little and wait until you see this dry part again. Don’t get overwhelmed if you water it and no water comes out from below, that doesn’t mean you haven’t watered it well.
Subscriber
In the spring and in another, he thanks you if you bring him a little fertilizer. But be careful, because you have to apply a monthly subscription from spring to early summer. And in the fall only twice.
Cut
If you want your bonsai to have a nice shape, you will need to prune it regularly. But the pruning itself will be done only in early spring, and before the bonsai begins to wake up. At that time, you must Prune the shoots, leaving about 6 cm long on each.
Throughout the year, you also need to prune it for maintenance to remove leaves, branches, and shoots that you don’t want or get in your way.
Transplantation
Oak bonsai must be transplanted, in the case of young specimens, every two years. As adults, they can spend at least 3 years doing this. Of course, in the case of root cutting, one should not overdo it, but be very gentle, because he does not like grafts too much.
And for 3 days, put it in a bright place but don’t give it direct light.
Plagues and diseases
Like many other trees and plants, Oak bonsai is not free from pest and disease problems. One of the most common is the powdery mildew, which is characterized by a white powder on the leaves or even on the trunk. To solve it, it is best to place it in a very dry place and reduce watering. In addition to applying a fungicide and removing the leaves that have this dust.
Another problem you may face is “dry oak” suffering from excess humidity and water. With a Fosetil AI fungicide you can solve it, but also by bringing it to a drier area and spacing out the waterings even further.
Other than these issues, it is quite hardy and generally unaffected by other pests and/or diseases.
Multiplication
Source: lahuertadetoni
As for its reproduction, it could be acorns to holm oak seedlings (i.e. very fine and young specimens that save you a few months or years of waiting).
Have you figured out how to take care of an oak bonsai?