Flame trees are a type of tree that is native to Madagascar. If you want to learn how to care for them, this blog post will go over the basics and some general tips so your plant can grow as beautifully as possible. We’ll talk about watering, light needs, soil composition, and more!
Continue reading if you want to know more details about this ultimate Flame Tree Bonsai Care guide.
General Information about Flame tree Bonsai
The Flame tree has a spreading canopy with a rounded shape and grows up to 25 meters tall. It produces beautiful bright red, orange or yellow flowers in large clusters which makes it an ideal choice for bonsai.
Flame trees are tropical plants which means they require warmth and humidity. They grow best when in bright light, but not direct sunlight. They also need to be kept moist at all times, so if they dry out you will likely experience leaf loss or death of the tree. Because they come from wetter climates than most bonsai do, it’s important that your soil is able to hold some moisture even after watering has occurred for optimal growth.
If you are looking for an attractive and easy to care for bonsai, the Flame tree is a good choice. It can be found at most nurseries and garden stores.
Choosing a Pot/Bowl for Your Flame Tree Bonsai
When choosing a pot for your flame tree bonsai, try to find one that is wider than it is tall with drainage holes on the bottom. The soil mixture for your tree also needs to be considered. If using forest mix, do not use soil that is too dry or compacted. If using regular bonsai mix, try adding some pearlite to increase the water retention capabilities of your potting soil.
If possible try to find a pot that is wider than it is tall with drainage holes on the bottom. If you only have a tall pot available, it is possible to plant the Flame tree Bonsai in the ground with its roots exposed.
Soil Mixture For Your Flame Tree Bonsai Soil Mixing Tips
If using forest mix, do not use soil that is too dry or compacted. If using regular bonsai mix, try adding some pearlite to increase the water retention capabilities of your potting soil.
Pruning and Wiring Flame Tree Bonsai
In order to keep your tree looking attractive, it’s a good idea to prune and wire your tree regularly. You can prune branches any time of the year – just make sure you don’t remove more than a third of the branches at one time. If you are uncertain about how to prune your tree, it’s best to ask for professional help so you don’t damage or kill your tree.
Pruning Tips: If you are uncertain about how to prune your tree, it’s best to ask for professional help so you don’t damage or kill your tree.
If pruning in winter, remember to reduce watering and fertilizing while the tree is dormant.
Wiring Tips: Wire when the branch is young and flexible; remove wire before it cuts into the bark.
Watering Your Flame Tree Bonsai How often should you be watering?
You can water once a day if it’s warm out and twice per day in hotter temperatures every other day. Water until it begins to drain from the bottom holes of your container so as much moisture gets into the root system as possible without over saturating the roots themselves.
The best way to water your bonsai is to immerse the entire pot in water until the bubbles stop rising. Allow the tree to soak for about 15 minutes, then remove and allow excess water to drain off before returning it to its original position. Be sure not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.
A good rule of thumb is to water once a day if it’s warm out and twice per day in hotter temperatures every other day. Water until it begins to drain from the bottom holes of your container so as much moisture gets into the root system as possible without over saturating the roots themselves.
Repotting Your Flame Tree Bonsai When should you repot?
Repot whenever necessary but generally, this means after one year for newly planted trees/twice yearly for established plants depending on how fast they are growing.
Flame trees don’t necessarily have to be root-bound to need repotting, but if the roots are starting to grow out of the pot or your tree is becoming top-heavy then it’s definitely time for a new home.
Fertilizing
Fertilize your Flame Tree Bonsai once every two weeks in the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength. Stop fertilizing in late fall/early winter so as not to promote new growth that could be damaged by frost.
After flowering, you will want to stop fertilizing your Flame tree Bonsai until around mid-April when the weather starts to warm up again and new growth begins, then continue as usual. One a month should be sufficient at this time of year. Do not over-fertilize!
Pruning & Trimming Your Flame Tree Bonsai When and how?
Generally, you want to prune after flowering (which is usually February or March) using sharp scissors or clippers. The main goal when pruning is to keep the tree in proportion with one main trunk, so it’s best not to prune too much at once. A good start would be to remove any branches that are visibly dead or have been damaged by frost.
Pests & Diseases
Aphids can sometimes attack Flame Trees so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for them during the warmer months and treat with insecticidal soap if necessary. Red spider mites may also become a problem in hot, dry conditions so try wrapping your pot with sphagnum moss to help retain some moisture. Common diseases with Flame Tree Bonsai are leaf spots and root rot. If the leaves turn yellow, dry out or start falling off you should stop watering your tree completely for a few weeks and then resume using the method described above. If the problem persists, it might be time to re-pot your tree into a new soil mixture and give it a fresh start.
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