Quck answer
To bonsai a cedar tree, follow these steps:
1. Select a young cedar tree with a straight trunk and small branches.
2. Carefully dig up the tree, ensuring you don’t damage the roots.
3. Trim the roots to fit in a bonsai pot and repot the tree using well-draining soil.
4. Prune the branches, removing any dead or unwanted growth, and shape the tree using bonsai techniques.
5. Provide regular watering, ensuring the soil doesn’t dry out completely.
6. Place the bonsai cedar tree in a location with partial sunlight and protect it from extreme temperatures.
7. Fertilize the tree during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
By following these steps, you can successfully bonsai a cedar tree and create a miniature version of this beautiful evergreen.
Cedar trees (Cedrus) can grow up to 50 feet tall in their natural habitat. However, they can also be grown and trained as bonsai trees. The Lebanon cedar (Cedrus libani) and Cyprus cedar are two varieties that are particularly suitable for creating bonsai specimens.
Step 1
Begin with a young cedar tree that is less than two years old. You can harvest a seedling from the countryside or purchase one from a nursery. Note that many nurseries and garden centers do not sell cedar stock until the trees are several years old, so you may need to specifically ask for a young specimen.
Step 2
Transplant the cedar seedling into a bonsai pot. These pots have wide, shallow forms that restrict the roots and encourage the stunted growth that is desired in bonsai art. While transplanting, examine the root-ball and use pruning shears to snip the tips of any lateral roots that twine around it. Plant the cedar in coarse, well-drained soil with a high sand content, firm the surface of the soil, and spread a 1/2-inch layer of sphagnum moss over it.
Step 3
Prune your cedar tree to start forming the desired shape. Remove the branches that grow on the bottom half of the young tree, cut the central leader down to the level of the highest side branch, and thin out branches that grow directly opposite other branches to create a stair-step effect along the trunk. Leave about two-thirds of the remaining branches on a single side of the tree to form the low, sweeping characteristic common in bonsai art.
Step 4
Cut a length of flexible, sturdy wire that measures about twice the height of your cedar tree. Insert one end of the wire deep into the soil near the base of the tree and wrap it around the trunk of the cedar. Twist the wire into a spiral shape and form it into a slight angle that pulls the top of the cedar towards the side with the most branches. Leave this wire in place for at least a year.
Step 5
Place your bonsai in a sunny location inside your home and water it deeply every five to seven days. Apply enough water to produce drainage from the holes in the bottom of the pot.
Step 6
Feed your bonsai with a plant food formulated specifically for cedar trees in early spring. Dilute the fertilizer as per the label instructions to accommodate the minuscule size of your tree.
Step 7
Pinch out new branch starts as they appear on the trunk by removing only the branch buds that detract from the maturing shape of your bonsai.
FAQ
1) What is Bonsai and how does it relate to Cedar Trees?
Bonsai is the art of growing miniature trees in containers. It originated in Japan and has since gained popularity worldwide. Cedar trees are often used for bonsai because of their elegant and graceful appearance. Bonsai techniques can be applied to cedar trees to create a smaller, more compact version of the tree.
2) What are the steps to bonsai a cedar tree?
To bonsai a cedar tree, you will first need to select a suitable specimen. Look for a young cedar tree with a straight trunk and well-developed branches. Next, carefully prune and shape the tree to create the desired form. This can be done using bonsai tools such as shears and wire. Repot the tree in a bonsai container with well-draining soil mix. Finally, provide proper care and maintenance, including regular watering, fertilizing, and trimming.
3) Are there any specific considerations for bonsai cedar trees?
Yes, there are a few important considerations when bonsai-ing a cedar tree. Cedar trees prefer cool climates and do not tolerate extreme heat well, so it’s essential to provide shade and protect them from direct sunlight during hot summer months. Additionally, cedar trees require a period of dormancy during winter, so they should be placed in a cool location and given less water during this time. Regular pruning and shaping are also crucial to maintain the desired form and size of the bonsai cedar tree.