Douglas fir is an elegant and colossal tree found throughout North America; its name inextricably diagrammed across the landscape of dense evergreen forests and majestic mountain backdrops. Although known in the wild for their massive sizes these trees also create lovely and one of a kind bonsai when scaled down.
The Douglas fir bonsai tree has the iconic look of this memorable tree in your home or garden, and is a favorite style for the bonsai lover.
In this blog, we will tell you why Douglas Fir these are excellent species for bonsai statement, and share the ways to grow it as a bonsai tree- along with tips on its care, styling and wiring throughout your journey towards making the perfect bonsai at home.
Why Douglas Fir for bonsai?
When it comes to bonsai, the Douglas fir is not usually the first tree species that comes to mind but it has a few interesting features that might makes it worth a consideration.
The main characteristic of the douglas fir bonsai is its upright trunk, its irregular rough bark and its short needles: you can style a beautiful formal upright but also windswept, trying to reproduce one of its wild giant relatives living in naturecols climates.
Reasons of why the Douglas-fir will make a beautiful bonsai
Here, I have explained some reasons that why the douglas-fir is amazing to make a beautiful bonsai which you actually want. Let’s know the details!
- Interesting Aesthetic
The tree has long, soft needles and coarse bark which are different than the typical pine or juniper species used in bonsai.
- Natural Rhythm
Douglas fir has a natural appearance of straight trunk and symmetrical branching therefore is easier to shape into suitable bonsai forms, such as formal upright or informal upright.
- Resilience
It is intended for the beginner Grower. This species is tough and versatile enough to handle regular mistakes made by bonsai beginners as well experienced growers. It grows well in almost all types of weather with a primary focus on temperate regions.
Yet raising a Douglas fir bonsai tree does have some tricky spots. This tree is a tall, tough tree by nature out in the wild and will need you to be diligent about pruning and shaping it if you want to keep it more of a smaller shrub.
Choosing a Douglas Fir for Bonsai
You can choose to start a Douglas fir bonsai tree several ways, whether from a pre-bonsai, growing one from a young sapling or seed. Every one of it has its benefits based in your experience and patience.
1. Pre-Bonsai
A pre-bosai Douglas Fir is an easy bonsai for beginners to train. These are baby trees that have already been stunted and shaped somewhat for you so that a little work will allow you to turn them into your own piece of bonsai art.
2. Nursery Trees
You can buy a miniature version of the Douglas fir pot grown from your local nursery or online if you want to grow it starting by the roots. Choose young but healthy plants which have nice trunks and good boughs.
3. Seed Propagation
Of course, preparing your capsicum seed from scratch will take longer but can also be the most satisfying. But then, you need to wait, because it will only be after a few years that it will be possible to start trimming and shaping your tree. Starting from the seed is usually preferred by purists of course.
Whichever one you elect, it will further encourage to think about the health of the tree. Avoid any that have dull, dark needles, or are pocked with insect bore holes.
Douglas Fir Bonsai: Potting and Soil
Potting Needs Douglas firs, like all bonsai trees, have specific potting and soil care requirements. They thrive when they are given the proper drainage, aeration and nutrients in a bonsai pot because they typically grow in large forest conditions.
1. Soil
The bonsai Douglas fir tree needs a well-draining soil mix, but the mix should be plenty moist and not turn waterlogged. A Douglas fir is a more rounded tree with tend to sprawl versus stand up and the best mix for a Douglas fir includes:
Pumice improves drainage and root aeration as an ingredient to prevent the roots from getting waterlogged. Nuances the Soil and Enhancing Improved Ambient Drainage and Stability
This combination mimics the Douglas fir the tree’s natural surroundings and allows its roots to stay healthy.
2. Potting
If you are choosing a pot for your Bonsai, you should select a shallow wide one with drain holes. The potter the tree, the more it will spread its roots, so the pot should be large enough for many side branches to branch out but not deep. The small pots keep the tree in its diminutive size while preventing over-densification of the root system.
To refresh the soil and prune the roots it is a must to repot the tree every 2-3 years. The best time for this is early spring before the growing season.
Irrigation and feeding of Douglas Fir bonsai
In addition, water your Douglas fir bonsai properly and ensure that your fertilizer has all the best nutrients it needs.
1. Watering
Sensible Douglas firs like always damp soil yet detest being overwatered which can cause the roots to decay. In the growing season (spring and summer) water your Bonsai when just the top inch of soil is dry. Check for drainage holes on the plant pots – you need to see water flowing out of here to give assurance that the soil is sufficiently soaked. Reduce watering as the tree enters dormancy in winter.
A useful suggestion is to place a humidity tray underneath the pot of your bonsai, especially if you live in a dry climate. The additional moisture will cause things to be more humid, something Douglas firs love.
2. Fertilizing
Regular feeding is required to keep a Douglas fir bonsai tree healthy and strong. Feed once per month with a general-purpose fertilizer In early spring switch to a high nitrogen fertilizer for new growth and in late summer switch to higher potassium and phosphate to prepare the tree for its winter dormancy period.
The most important thing is not to over-fertilize. This can strike at the root system of your lovely tree. Consistent, gentle feeding is best achieved using a diluted liquid fertilizer or slow-release pellets.
Shaping: How To Prune A Bonsai Pot Grown Spruce Pine?
Shaping and pruning are the most important steps in getting your bonsai Douglas fir to look just how you want. Unlike species which naturally have a compact habit, in the wild Douglas firs are tall and wide. So frequent trimming and wire is a must in the rotate towards bonsai direction.
1. Structural Pruning
First of all, the structural pruning is done to cut back the main branches and form the tree, while shaping its appearance. This is our favorite approach, performed in late winter or early spring before the tree enters its growth cycle. Pruning dead or dying and unhealthy branches is crucial, as well cutting away any branches that cross over split the pattern.
Douglas firs grow in a pyramid or conical shape which retains the natural form many Bonsai enthusiasts try to keep. Another awesome idea if you are leaning towards the informal is to prune stiffly so that your cuts would invite a more sculptural and asymmetrical approach.
2. Maintenance Pruning
Regular maintenance pruning is required to manage new growth during the growing season. Long-needled Douglas firs can get pretty shaggy without a little basic cleanup. Pinch out soft growth with your fingers, in order to keep the tree bushy and not allowing unbalance to make the tree become too top heavy.
3. Wiring
Another important way to style your Douglas fir bonsai is the wiring. When young, the branches are fairly flexible and can be wired into place. Gently bend the wire-wrapped branches into place at a 45-degree angle.
Keep the wires in place for a few months, monitoring them frequently to ensure they have not started digging into the bark After the branches have set, carefully take off the wire to keep from harming the tree.
Pests and Disease Control
Douglas firs require relatively hardy, but are susceptible to the pests and diseases that usually inflect bonsai trees. Common pests aphids, spider mites and scale insects can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Fungal diseases, such as root rot, can also be a problem if the tree is over-watered or not planted in well-draining soil. To avoid this, always remember the basics of proper watering and good air around your bonsai.
Conclusion
The Douglas Fir bonsai tree provides an interesting combination of beauty and challenge, which is why it makes a great option for any level of bonsai grower. The bright needles, multi-color bark and unique triangle formation set it apart from normal bonsai like junipers or maples.
Douglas fir bonsai do require a good amount of care, especially when it comes to pruning and shaping, but the effort is worth watching one of these iconic trees shrunk down to miniature size. If you want to add a tree with symbolism of ushering the forest into your home, or you simply love that defalconiine has changed one bonsai species forlornness.
By adhering to the steps and methods explained in this manual, you will be off to a good start in expanding a healthy Douglas fir bonsai tree that will do fine for years.
