How to Grow Cherry Blossom Bonsai - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Cherry blossom bonsai is a popular plant in Japan. The plant is known for its beauty and delicate flowers. Cherry blossom bonsai is a popular choice for those who want to create a beautiful and serene environment in their home or office.

How to Grow Cherry Blossom Bonsai - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Sakura bonsai
  • Yoshino bonsai
  • Kikuchi bonsai
  • Weeping cherry bonsai
  • Kwanzan cherry bonsai

Basic info

  • Decide if you want to grow your own cherry blossom bonsai tree or buy one that is already grown.
  • Choose a location for your tree that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • Consider the size of the tree when choosing a pot. The pot should be about twice the size of the tree’s root ball.
  • Water your tree regularly, but do not over-water. The soil should be moist, but not soggy.
  • Fertilize your tree every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your tree regularly to encourage growth and shape the tree to your desired size and form.
  • Repot your tree every two to three years to refresh the soil and promote new growth.
  • Protect your tree from extreme temperatures and drafts.
  • Monitor your tree for pests and diseases, and take action if needed.
  • Enjoy the beauty of your cherry blossom bonsai tree!

Related plant:
Chokecherry Bush

Growing Steps

  1. For cherry blossom bonsai, first step is to find a suitable tree.
  2. Once you have found a tree, you need to prepare the tree for transplanting.
  3. Once the tree is prepared, you need to transplant the tree into a pot.
  4. After transplanting, you need to water the tree regularly.
  5. In order to keep the tree alive, you need to fertilize the tree regularly.
  6. You also need to prune the cherry blossom bonsai tree regularly.
  7. In order to make the tree look more appealing, you need to trim the leaves and branches regularly.
  8. You need to repot the tree every two years.
  9. You need to protect the tree from cold weather.
  10. You also need to protect the tree from pests and diseases.

Related plant:
Cherry Plum Tree

Soil Condition

About soil condition for cherry blossom bonsai, soil should be loose and well-drained with a high organic content. A good mix for cherry blossom bonsai is two parts loam, one part perlite, and one part peat moss. This mix will ensure that your tree has the necessary drainage while still being able to retain some moisture.

Light condition

Similar to other bonsai trees, cherry blossom bonsai needs to be placed in a spot where it will receive plenty of sunlight. This means putting it near a south- or west-facing window. If you live in a climate where the sun is very intense, you may need to provide some protection for your tree by placing it in a spot where it will receive indirect sunlight.

The Temperature

The temperature condition for a cherry blossom bonsai is cool to cold. The best time to start training your cherry blossom bonsai is in late fall or early winter. These trees are native to temperate regions and do not like it when the temperature gets too hot. If you live in a warmer climate, you can still grow a cherry blossom bonsai, but you will need to take extra care to protect it from the heat.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant are between 40% to 60%. During the spring and summer, the plant should be misted every day or two. The leaves of the plant are very small, so it is important to make sure that the leaves are not too wet, which can cause them to rot. During the fall and winter, the plant can be misted less often, but should still be kept in a humid environment.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this type of plant requires a lot of nutrients since it grows in a small pot and it doesn’t have a large root system to support it. Therefore, you need to use a fertilizer that is high in Nitrogen. You should fertilizer your plant every two weeks during the growing season, and every month during the winter. As for the roots, they are delicate and need to be protected. You should never let the roots dry out, or they will die. When you water your plant, make sure the water is running through the roots. You can also add a layer of mulch to help protect the roots.

About light

Pruning your cherry blossom bonsai is essential to its health and beauty. There are a few things to keep in mind when pruning your bonsai. First, always use sharp, clean pruning shears. Second, make sure to prune your bonsai early in the growing season, before the buds begin to swell. Finally, don't be afraid to prune deeply - cherry blossom bonsais are very resilient and will bounce back quickly from even the most aggressive pruning.

Plant Propagation

Propagation Cherry blossom bonsai can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or grafting. Seed propagation is the most common method, but cuttings and grafting are also successful. Cherry blossom bonsai seeds need to be stratified before planting. This can be done by placing the seeds in a zip-top bag with moist sand and refrigerating them for 3-4 months. After stratification, the seeds can be planted in seed-starting mix. Cuttings can be taken from new growth in spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and should be taken from the tips of the branches. Cuttings can be rooted in water or planting mix. Grafting is best done in late winter or early spring. Cherry blossom bonsai can be grafted onto other deciduous trees such as maples or elms. The graft should be made just below the bud union.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively slow when compared to other plants. The average growth rate is around 6 inches per year. However, this can vary depending on the species of cherry blossom bonsai. Some species can grow up to 12 inches per year.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are lack of flowers and leaves, pests, and diseases. The best way to avoid these problems is to keep the tree healthy and to regularly check for pests and diseases.

Growing Tips

  • Make sure to choose a variety of cherry blossom bonsai that is suitable for your climate.
  • Plant the cherry blossom bonsai in a location that receives full sunlight.
  • Water the cherry blossom bonsai regularly.
  • Fertilize the cherry blossom bonsai every two weeks during the growing season.
  • Prune the cherry blossom bonsai regularly to keep its shape.
  • Repot the cherry blossom bonsai every two to three years.
  • Protect the cherry blossom bonsai from cold weather by bringing it indoors during the winter months.
  • Display the cherry blossom bonsai in a place where it can be admired.
  • Enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossom bonsai!
  • Remember to take care of your cherry blossom bonsai so that it will last for many years.

Alternative Plants

  • Brsis lanceolata (cherry blossom bonsai)
  • Brsis racemosa (cherry blossom bonsai)
  • Brsis spinosa (cherry blossom bonsai)
  • Brsis trifoliata (cherry blossom bonsai)
  • Brsis vulgata (cherry blossom bonsai)
  • Cornus alba (cherry blossom bonsai)
  • Cornus kousa (cherry blossom bonsai)
  • Cornus mas (cherry blossom bonsai)
  • Cornus officinalis (cherry blossom bonsai)
  • Prunus padus (cherry blossom bonsai)

Source:
A Tour of the Cherry Blossoms of Smithsonian Gardens - Smithsonian Gardens
cherry blossoms | UW News - University of Washington
Yuki Cherry Blossom™ Deutzia | NC State Extension

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category