Bonsai Trees Miniature Living Masterpieces Throughout the ages, The artistry of bonsai trees have been admired and cultivated by individuals with a meticulous eye for detail. Japanese Apricot Bonsai Trees One of the most beautiful species to use in bonsai cultivation, Japanese apricots are chosen their spectacular blossoms and for the long bows that bring in a touch of elegance.
However, It is scientifically known as Prunus mume and is appreciated for its fragrant flowers, along with blooming in the early springtime, hence becoming a desirable element in traditional Japanese gardens.
This ultimate guide covers all you need to master how to grow a Japanese apricot bonsai tree and care for it, including in-depth look at this wonderful plant history and step-by-step care. Have a look!
A Short Story of The Japanese Apricot Bonsai Tree
The Japanese apricot, or ume, is native to China and Korea but has been bred for over a thousand years in Japan its flowers, fruit and sometimes even bark captured in woodblock prints by famous kabuki actors. In Japan, the vineyard is one of the first trees to flower even before cherry. Their fragrant flowers come in late winter or early spring, painting gardens white and pink, ranging from delicate blooms to fuller ones.
Bonsai, which originated in China as “penjing” and was later adapted in Japan, has found the perfect partner with the Japanese apricot. The tree is naturally attractive, but it comes on a very manageable size, making it ideally suited for bonsai art. The Japanese apricot blooms in full, fragrant force on a small scale as it is styled as bonsai.
Seclecting A Japanese Apricot For Bonsai
The Japanese apricot is an ideal specimen for bonsai artist to work with for a few reasons. Bonsai with Fragrant Flowers: Not many bonsai species flower nicely and their flowers are not only nice to look but also very fragrant in a way that makes this tree perfect for those searching not only visual, but also sensory attractive side trees.
Let’s see why should you select?
- Seasonal Interest: In the fall, the leaves on this tree change color, thus providing year round beauty.
- Solid Structure: Though it demands some babying, the Japanese apricot is tough enough to be grown in colder areas, thus accessible as a parent.
- Japanese Apricot Bonsai Tree: If you would like a tree that looks lovely, stands for hope and resilience and has a slightly challenging potential to keep it up, the Japanese apricot bonsai tree could be an excellent add-on sidebar.
Taking Care of Japanese Apricot Bonsai
Proper caring technique is most important for well-growth of the Japanese apricot bonsai tree. Here are the details of this bonsai-
1. Location and Sunlight
Japanese apricot bonsai must be placed in full sun but a shadier location would likely be more appropriate, especially as it is exposed to afternoon heat in hot regions. It should do well in an area with morning sun and afternoon shade.
While the tree goes dormant, this is essential during winter and it occurs in a cold, protected environment. Of course, for bonsai in temperate areas that means moving it indoors or into a protected location for the frozen months; because even good semi-hardy tree cannot survive long-term being frozen.
Best Outside: It enjoys being outdoors, except in the more inclement weather. The best place is a sunny balcony or garden space.
Care For Indoor: If move your bonsai in side for year-round then you still need to put it near a bright window and keep the room cool, the tree will get its natural dormancy.
2. How to water Japanese Apricot Bonsai
Proper watering is also a huge part of caring for your bonsai, as with the Japanese apricot. Over the summer, you may have to water your tree once a day where cooler months may only require you water every few days.
Method: Water deeply until the water streams can be properly filled. You want to be sure that the roots are getting plenty of water.
Moisture: They also like a modestly humid environment so that, if you are growing this tree as an indoor plant, mist the leaves or set the pot atop a humidity tray.
3. Fertilizing
Effects of fertilizing Just like any other bonsai, feeding maintain the growth and blooming of Japanese apricot.
Feed: A slow release balanced fertilizer is applied during the growing season, early spring to late summer; or every 7-15 days with a liquid bonsai fertilizer.
Supply: during the growing season, feed your bonsai every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid plant food, but discontinue feeding as soon as the tree goes dormant towards late autumn.
4. Cutting and Training a Japanese Apricot Bonsai
Bonsai is in fact an art and the actual work that determines whether one has mastered it or not is done through pruning. This means that when growing the Japanese apricot bonsai, you will have to make sure to prune it often in order to keep it small and shaped like a tree.
Structure Pruning: This type of pruning is typically done during winter dormancy, or once the leaves have fallen from the tree. Prune by mainly reducing excessive growth or branch crossing.
If your larch starts shooting out, prune it back to keep the tree tight during the growing season. Start pinching the plant lightly a month after growth starts, heavy pruning during flowering time can reduce the amount of blooms.
Wiring: Wire will allow you to shape the branches in a way that maintains the silhouette by growing them into a cascading or upright pattern. The wire should only be placed in the early spring, just as it is going to begin exponentially growing again and then removed after a few months to minimize scarring.
5. Repotting Your Bonsai Tree
Repotting is essential for a healthy bonsai, in order to stop it from getting root-bound. The Japanese apricot bonsai should be repotted after 2-3 years, considering the maturity and growth rate.
Process: Gently remove the tree from its pot, trim one-third of the roots back and plant in a new type of soil for your bonsai. This is used to leave enough space for the tree to grow properly and absorb the nutrients.
6. Pest and Disease Control
The Japanese apricot bonsai tree is hardy for the most part. Monitor leaves and branches for evidence of the insect on a regular basis.
Answer: if you see pests, apply a mild remedy to your plants.
Diseases: the tree can be plagued by fungal diseases, often caused by being overwatered. Most are a result of inadequate airflow and waterlogged soil so avoid these problems in the future if possible.
How could you make Style Japanese Apricot Bonsai Tree?
Plum is very suitable for various bonsai styles. Here are some of the top tastes for your great consideration-
- Spread: Moyogi is perfect for Japanese apricot cultivars; their lovely curving branches are well-suited to this style that was inspired by a tree growing unrestrained in the wild.
- Cascade: the branches of the tree are trained to flow down, as if a tree on a mountainside.
- Slanting: The slanted look inspires the image of a tree combating wind or other natural forces.
In addition to considering the natural shape of your tree, you will also want take cues from nature when planning how you style the branches. It is one of the best types that suits for artistic pruning because it has delicate branches structure in addition early blooming.
Conclusion
Some beautiful and rewarding bonsai species to start with is the Japanese apricot bonsai tree, a unique type of bonsai plant that enchants with its fragrant flowers, seasonal appeal, and symbolical meaning. It does take some meticulous care of watering, light and pruning but with the aesthetics & lovely fragrance in return.
Whether you are a master bonsai enthusiast or beginner, growing a Japanese apricot bonsai tree ensures that you get to partake of an age-old art form and experience the subtle elegance of early spring.
Following the guidelines and care techniques in this article will help you to enjoy your bonsai for many more years and not only appreciate its beauty but also become emotionally involved with nature, tradition, and a piece of history.
