How to Grow Weeping Willow Bonsai - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Weeping willow bonsai is a beautiful and serene plant that is perfect for any home or office. The plant has long, cascading branches that are covered in tiny, green leaves. The leaves of the plant are often used in herbal teas and are known for their calming properties.

How to Grow Weeping Willow Bonsai - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

Salix babylonica
Chinese willow
Peking willow
Babylon willow
Weeping pussy willow

Common Knowledge

Weeping willow bonsai trees are beautiful and elegant.
They are very easy to care for.
Weeping willow bonsai trees need little pruning.
Weeping willow bonsai trees like full sun.
They are not fussy about soil type.
Weeping willow bonsai trees are fast growing.
They are susceptible to aphids and other pests.
Weeping willow bonsai trees need regular watering.
They are hardy in most climates.
Weeping willow bonsai trees make beautiful gifts.

Related plant:
Weeping Caragana

Growing Steps

For weeping willow bonsai, first step is to get a tree that is young at least 2 years old.
You will need to prune the tree to shape it and to encourage new growth.
When pruning, be sure to cut at an angle so that the cuts heal quickly.
Next, you will need to wire the tree. This will help shape the tree and keep it in the desired shape.
Be sure to water the tree regularly.
Every few weeks, fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer.
In the spring, you may need to repot the tree.
In the summer, you may need to protect the tree from too much sun.
In the fall, you will need to prune the tree again.
Finally, in the winter, you will need to protect the tree from the cold weather.

Related plant:
Weeping Mulberry

Soil Condition

About soil condition, weeping willow bonsai prefers a moisture retentive but well drained soil. A bonsai soil mix or 50:50 mix of peat and inorganic material like Akadama is suitable. Willow bonsais are heavy feeders and require frequent fertilization. Fertilize with a nitrogen rich fertilizer at half the recommended rate every two weeks during the growing season and monthly during the fall and winter.

About light

Just like other weeping willows, the weeping willow bonsai requires a lot of sunlight. It should be placed in a spot where it will receive direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. The more sunlight it gets, the more vigorous it will be.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for a weeping willow bonsai is between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand short periods of time outside of this range, but it is not ideal and can cause the plant distress. If the temperature gets too hot or too cold, the plant can experience damage to its leaves and branches.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-70%. The plant does not need to be misted, but it does need to be watered more frequently than other plants. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will begin to turn brown and drop off.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, this plant doesnt require too much. In fact, too much fertilizer will actually kill the weeping willow bonsai. The ideal fertilizer is a slow-release, balanced fertilizer thats applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. As for the roots, the weeping willow bonsais roots are very fragile and easily damaged. So, its important to be careful when watering and fertilizing the plant.

Plant Pruning

Pruning weeping willow bonsai is an important part of keeping your tree healthy and beautiful. The best time to prune your tree is in the spring, after the last frost. You will need a sharp knife and a pair of pruning shears. Start by pruning any dead or diseased branches. Cut the branch back to a healthy shoot or bud. Next, prune any branches that are growing too long or too thick. Cut these branches back to a healthy shoot or bud. Finally, prune any branches that are crossing or rubbing against other branches. Cut these branches back to a healthy shoot or bud. Your weeping willow bonsai will benefit from regular pruning. Prune your tree every year in the spring, after the last frost. With proper care, your tree will thrive for many years.

The Propagation

Propagation is generally done through rooting stem cuttings, which is a simple process. Simply take a cutting from a young, healthy weeping willow, making sure that the cutting has several leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with moistened potting soil. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist. The cutting should root within a few weeks.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate between 2-4 feet per year. This can be controlled through pruning. weeping willow bonsai require full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Fertilize weeping willow bonsai every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are root rot, pests, and problems with the leaves. Root rot is caused by too much moisture in the soil, and can be fatal to the tree. Pests can infest the tree and cause damage, or even kill it. Problems with the leaves can include leaf spot, yellowing, or wilting.

Growing Tips

Remember to keep the plant well-watered, as weeping willows are particularly susceptible to drought.
Fertilize regularly using a high-quality fertilizer designed for bonsai trees.
Prune regularly to encourage the weeping effect and to keep the tree from becoming too large.
Keep the tree in a sunny spot for best results.
Protect the tree from extremes of temperature, as both hot and cold can damage the delicate leaves.
Insects can be a problem for weeping willows, so be sure to check the tree regularly for pests.
If you live in an area with heavy rains, it is important to provide drainage for the roots of the tree.
Weeping willows are notoriously messy, so be prepared to deal with fallen leaves and branches.
These trees can be susceptible to a number of diseases, so be sure to consult with a professional if