Dogwood bonsai trees are frequently used as indoor decoration because of their small size. They can be grown in a pot that is large enough to provide the necessary nutrients, water, and sunlight for growth. However, these plants require more care than other types of bonsais due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. This blog post will provide information on our Dogwood Bonsai Tree Care Guide so it will stay beautiful year round.
Dogwood Bonsai Tree Care Guide
What is a Dogwood Bonsai Tree?
The dogwood bonsai tree is a small, deciduous tree that is native to the eastern United States. It has white flowers and red berries that can be used for decoration. The leaves are also very colorful in the fall, making it a popular choice for bonsai enthusiasts.
What Are the Types of Dogwood Bonsai Trees?
There are two types of dogwood bonsai trees: the flowering dogwood and the Cornelian cherry dogwood.
The flowering dogwood tree is native to the eastern United States and has beautiful white flowers that bloom in the springtime. It also has red berries that can be used for decoration, making it a popular choice for bonsai enthusiasts.
The Cornelian cherry dogwood has red berries that appear in the fall and vibrant yellow leaves during the autumn months. It is also deciduous, meaning it loses its leaves during wintertime. This tree grows well indoors because of its small size; however, if you choose to have it outdoors make sure there are no drafts.
How to Take Care of a Dogwood Bonsai Tree
Here are some of the most important things needed to care for your dogwood bonsai tree.
Water
The soil should be kept moist but not overly wet. Water it daily when in full growth, and do so every few days during winter time when it is dormant. Make sure the pot has good drainage holes – If you are using a pot without drainage holes, you will need to water it more frequently.
The soil should always be kept moist, but not soaking wet. You can test to see if the plant’s roots are damp by sticking a finger into the growing medium about an inch below the surface of the dirt. If it feels dryish or gritty, you need to water the tree.
Fertilizer
Fertilize your dogwood bonsai tree every other week with a good bonsai fertilizer.
There are many different types of fertilizers on the market, but it is important to use a fertilizer that is specifically made for bonsai trees. A good option is to use a balanced organic fertilizer such as Espoma’s Bonsai-Tone or Dr. Earth Organic Fertilizer.
Sunlight
The plant needs at least four hours of direct sunlight per day. If you cannot provide this much sunlight, you can supplement with grow lights.
Temperature
The dogwood bonsai tree prefers cooler temperatures than other types of tropical plants. Keep it indoors at 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit during winter time, and do not expose it to more than 70 degrees Fahrenheit year round.
Humidity
Maintain 40 percent humidity by misting the plant once or twice per day.
Wiring
You can wire your dogwood bonsai tree to help shape it into the desired form. Just be careful not to damage the bark.
Wiring Tips:
- When wiring your dogwood bonsai tree, you should bend it in the direction that will help promote its growth. For example, if you want to make a branch grow longer, gently pull down on it until it starts curving upwards again.
- Be careful not to damage the bark when wiring your dogwood bonsai tree. You can use copper or aluminum wire for this type of plant.
Trimming
Trim the tree regularly to maintain its shape. Cut back any dead or overgrown branches, and pinch off new shoots to keep the plant bushy.
Pruning
Prune your dogwood bonsai tree during its growing season (spring and summer) to keep it healthy and looking its best. Cut off any dead or diseased branches, and pinch off the tips of new growth to keep it from becoming too long.
Pruning Tips:
- Remove dead or dying branches first, before pruning healthy ones.
- Prune the ends of branches just above a bud that faces in the right direction to encourage new growth.
- Remove branches that are growing downward.
- Cut off the top of the tree if it is too tall. However, make sure to maintain at least four nodes on either side of where you cut so new shoots will grow back quickly.
Repotting
Repot your dogwood bonsai every one to two years. Use the same type of soil that was previously used for it, but mix in some organic material like peat moss or compost before putting it back into the pot. The best time to repot your dogwood bonsai tree is in the early spring before new growth begins.
Steps in Repotting a Dogwood Bonsai Tree:
- Remove the tree from its pot and trim away about one-third of the old soil. If the roots are growing out of the drainage holes, cut them back as well.
- Mix some organic material like peat moss or compost into the new soil before putting the tree back into its pot. Make sure to pack the soil down firmly so that it is secure.
- Water the tree well after repotting and continue to water it regularly for the first few weeks.
Soil
The best soil to use for your dogwood bonsai tree is a mix of regular potting soil and bonsai soil. This will help keep the plant healthy by providing it with the necessary nutrients. You should also water it regularly and fertilize it every other week.
Propagation
Take cuttings from the dogwood bonsai tree in late spring or early summer to propagate new plants.
Steps in Propagating Dogwood Bonsai Tree:
- Propagating is done by taking cuttings of the plant. This should be taken from a young branch with at least one leaf node, and it must have come directly off the main trunk or larger branch.
- You will first need to prepare your cutting tools before you begin propagating your dogwood bonsai tree. You can use either a rooting hormone or powder to help the cuttings grow roots more easily.
- Before taking your cutting, prepare some mixtures of bonsai soil and regular potting soil for later use. You will need about one part each by volume when mixing these to have enough soil mixture for all the cuttings you plan on propagating.
- Once you have taken your cutting, dip it into the rooting hormone or powder and then stick it into the soil mixture. Make sure the cuttings are buried about halfway so that new roots can form. You will then need to water them regularly until they start to grow their roots. Once this happens, you can transplant them into their pots.
- Make sure to keep an eye on your propagated dogwood bonsai trees, as they may not be as strong as the parent plant and may need extra care. Fertilize them regularly and water them often until they are fully established in their new pots.
Pests and Diseases
Dogwood bonsai trees are susceptible to pests and diseases, so be on the lookout for any signs of problems.
There are several signs that your dogwood bonsai tree may have pests or diseases. Here are some easy ways to treat dogwood bonsai pests and diseases:
Powdery Mildew – If your leaves start to turn yellow or brown with white powder on them, this is powdery mildew. To treat it, use neem oil to kill the fungus that is causing these symptoms.
Anthracnose – If you notice black spots on your plant’s leaves with brown margins, this means anthracnose disease has infected them. Treating this involves removing all dead and dying foliage along with using a fungicide to kill the fungus.
Scale – If you see small, brown bumps on the leaves or stems of your dogwood bonsai tree, these are scale insects. To get rid of them, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Ants – If ants are crawling around your tree, this means you have scale. To get rid of the ants and the scale, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Winter Care
In cold climates, it is necessary to protect the plant from freezing temperatures. You can do this by bringing the dogwood bonsai tree indoors when temperatures reach 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below. This will prevent damage to the plant and allow you to keep it healthy all year long.
Summer Care
Bring your dogwood bonsai tree indoors when temperatures reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Make sure to place it in a room where there is plenty of air circulation and avoid using heating devices near the plant.
Where to keep your dogwood bonsai
You will want to keep your dogwood bonsai out of direct sunlight so that the leaves don’t scorch. Place it in an area that gets partial sunlight, such as an east- or west-facing window.
Now that you know how to take care of your dogwood bonsai tree, it is important to follow these guidelines to ensure a healthy plant. With a little bit of TLC, your dogwood bonsai tree will thrive for years to come!
How to Find Dogwood Bonsais for Sale?
One of the easiest ways to find a dogwood bonsai tree for sale is to search online. Many websites sell different types of bonsai trees, and you can usually find a wide variety of dogwoods to choose from.
Another option is to check with local nurseries or garden centers. They may not carry a wide variety of bonsai trees, but they will have a few different types to choose from.
If you’re lucky, you may be able to find a dogwood bonsai tree at a flea market or garage sale. Just make sure that the tree is healthy and has been well taken care of before purchasing it.
Final Thought
When taking care of your dogwood bonsai, it is important to keep its environment consistent. This means providing enough water, sunlight, and fertilizer regularly. You should also prune and trim the tree regularly to maintain its shape and size.
If you are not able to provide these things for your tree, it is best to keep it indoors so the environment can be more easily controlled. However, if you can provide these things, your dogwood bonsai will thrive and be a beautiful addition to your home. Therefore, it is important to research the care required for this type of bonsai tree before making a purchase.
Other posts:
Spruce Bonsai Care Guide | Repotting, Pruning, etc.
