Maintenance Landscaping Design

Bonsai apple tree is the perfect plant for small spaces. It is a miniature apple tree that is perfect for indoor or outdoor use. The bonsai apple tree is easy to care for and is a beautiful addition to any home.

Alternative name

• Crab apple
  
• Japanese apple
  
• Ornamental apple
  
• Dwarf apple
  
• Bonsai apple

Basic info

• Bonsai apple trees are small trees that are grown in containers.
  
• They are trained to have a small, compact form.
  
• Bonsai apple trees should be watered regularly, but not allowed to sit in water.
  
• Fertilize bonsai apple trees every two weeks during the growing season.
  
• Prune bonsai apple trees regularly to maintain their compact form.
  
• Bonsai apple trees need full sun to partial shade.
  
• They are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, so regular pest and disease control is necessary.
  
• Bonsai apple trees must be protected from frost.
  
• They can be transplanted into larger containers as they grow.
  
• Bonsai apple trees can live for many years with proper care.

Related plant:
Coconut Bonsai

Growing Steps

1. For bonsai apple tree, first step is to take a young tree that is about 3-4 years old.
   
2. Cut off the top of the tree so that it is about 6 inches tall.
   
3. Cut off any branches that are growing straight up.
   
4. Cut off any branches that are more than 6 inches long.
   
5. Prune the roots of the tree so that they are about 2-3 inches long.
   
6. Plant the tree in a pot that is slightly bigger than the root ball.
   
7. Water the tree regularly and fertilize it every few weeks.
   
8. In the fall, allow the tree to go dormant by stopping watering it and giving it a cool place to overwinter.
   
9. In the spring, start watering the tree again and fertilize it monthly.
   
10. Trim the tree as needed to keep it small and encourage branching.

Related plant:
Maple Bonsai

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, well-drained, deep, acidic soils are best for bonsai apple trees since they encourage root growth. If you live in an area with clay soil, consider growing your bonsai apple tree in a pot to give the roots more control over the drainage.

About light

Just like other apple trees, bonsai apple trees need plenty of sunlight. They should be placed in an area where they will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, they can tolerate some partial shade, especially in the heat of the summer.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for a bonsai apple tree is one that is cool but not cold. This means that the tree should be kept in a place where the temperature is between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or less. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will turn yellow and drop off. The best way to achieve this is to use a humidifier in the room where the plant is located.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant requires a lot of attention when it comes to nutrients. The most important fertilizer for a bonsai apple tree is nitrogen, which helps the tree to produce more leaves. Nitrogen is also important for the roots, as it helps them to absorb more water and minerals from the soil.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of caring for a bonsai apple tree. The best time to prune is early spring, before new growth begins. To prune, first remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Cut back any branches that are too long or that are growing in the wrong direction. Be careful not to cut back too much, as this can damage the tree.

About Propagating

Propagation is by rooting hardwood cuttings taken from the tree in late autumn or winter. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and should be taken from young, healthy growth. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Place the pot in a warm, bright location and keep the potting mix moist. Roots should form within a few weeks. Once the roots are established, transplant the cuttings to individual pots filled with a moist, well-drained potting mix.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is very slow. Some varieties may even take years to reach their full potential size. However, with the proper care, a bonsai apple tree can grow quite rapidly. By keeping the tree well-watered and fertilized, you can encourage growth. Also, be sure to prune the tree regularly to encourage new growth.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, apple scab, and cedar-apple rust. All of these can be controlled with fungicide sprays. Bacteria can also cause problems for the tree, but these can be controlled with insecticidal sprays.

Basics of Growing

• Do not forget to water your bonsai apple tree regularly. The tree needs a lot of water, especially when it is young.
  
• Make sure that the tree gets enough sunlight. It is best to grow the tree in a sunny spot.
  
• Fertilize your bonsai apple tree regularly. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.
  
• Prune your bonsai apple tree regularly. This will help to keep the tree small and compact.
  
• Do not allow the roots of the tree to become too wet. The roots need to be able to breathe.
  
• Do not place the tree in a pot that is too small. The tree needs room to grow.
  
• Do not over-water the tree. Too much water can kill the tree.
  
• When repotting the tree, be careful not to damage the roots.
  
• Do not place the tree in direct sunlight.

You May Like

• Bonsai fig tree
  
• Bonsai orange tree
  
• Bonsai palm tree
  
• Bonsai lemon tree
  
• Bonsai grapefruit tree
  
• Bonsai pomegranate tree
  
• Bonsai plumb tree
  
• Bonsai pear tree
  
• Bonsai peach tree
  
• Bonsai nectarine tree

Source:
Bonsai Garden | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Welcome back, bonsai! | Arnold Arboretum
Understanding Bonsai and Penjing | Matthaei Botanical Gardens …