The Judas Tree which is also known as the Cercis siliquastrum, is also commonly known in Europe and Asia as a small deciduous tree that produces deep pink flowers during Spring. The Judas tree bonsai is a desert dweller that needs the hot sun during its growing season, but it will be happier with more shade on summer days when temperatures soar.
Read further below to learn more about this bonsai tree.
Information on the Judas Tree Bonsai
Judas trees are a type of deciduous tree that grow in groups. They have alternate growth patterns, with the leaves being round or heart-shaped and blueish green coloration to them.
The judas tree has magenta, purple and white flowers that appear in clusters before or along with the leaves. This beautiful bonsai is a good choice for those who like to have an attractive plant with rarity value!
The difference between bonsai trees and regular ones is that the former must be protected from frost, whereas ground-grown cercis can withstand just a little bit of freezing.
How to Plant a Judas Tree Bonsai
When planting a Judas tree, you will want to use a pot that is big enough to accommodate the tree’s root system. You can either plant the tree directly in the potting soil or in a nursery container. If you choose to plant it in a nursery container, make sure that the pot has several drainage holes in the bottom.
Check out these steps…
Step 1 – Selecting a Pot
The first thing you will want to do is select a pot for your tree. Fortunately, Judas trees can be grown as either a bonsai or as a standard potted plant, so your choice of container is not limited. Make sure that the pot has several drainage holes at the bottom and that it is big enough to accommodate the tree’s root system.
Step 2 – Preparing the Potting Soil
Once you have selected a pot, you will need to prepare the potting soil. Judas tree bonsai prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 5.5. You can either purchase a commercial potting mix that is specifically designed for bonsai or you can use a custom mix.
If you decide to make your own potting mix, it is important that the soil drains well and contains material that will retain moisture without becoming too soggy. A good bonsai potting mixture should contain some type of organic matter such as peat moss, along with coarse sand or grit to help with drainage.
Step 3 – Planting the Tree
Once you have prepared the potting soil, it is time to plant the tree. If you are planting the tree directly in the potting soil, make sure that the root ball is moist before you begin. Dig a hole in the potting mixture that is big enough to accommodate the tree’s root ball and place the tree in the hole.
If you are planting the tree in a nursery container, remove it from the pot and loosen the roots before placing it in the new pot. Make sure that the root ball is at the same level as it was in the original pot and that the container has several drainage holes.
After you have placed the tree in the pot, fill in around it with soil and press firmly to remove any air pockets. Water well and place your Judas tree bonsai where it is sunny or at least partially shaded.
Step 4 – Greenhouse Treatment
A greenhouse treatment can be used to keep a Judas tree moist during the winter months. To do this, place the potted tree in a greenhouse or cold frame and cover it with plastic wrap.
Make sure that the soil is moist before you cover the pot and water as needed to keep the soil moist. Remove the plastic wrap during bright, sunny days to prevent the plant from overheating.
Tips on Pruning Your Judas Tree Bonsai
The Judas tree bonsai is one of the most striking and unusual bonsai. Its striking orange flowers and apple-like fruit attract a lot of attention making it a great choice for the beginner just starting out with bonsai or that person who wants to add some color to their bonsai collection.
But the Judas tree can be a little fussy and challenging to care for. Here are some tips on how to keep your Judas tree bonsai looking its best:
1) Be careful not to overwater your Judas tree bonsai . They prefer a drier soil than most other bonsai and will quickly rot if kept in a soggy environment.
2) Judas trees like lots of light so make sure you place your tree in a location where it will get plenty of direct sunlight.
3) Fertilize your Judas tree bonsai regularly using a balanced fertilizer.
4) Prune your Judas tree bonsai after flowering to promote new growth and to keep it looking healthy.
5) Cut out any dead or dying branches to keep your Juda tree in tip-top shape. Be sure not to over prune though as this type of bonsai grows slowly so don’t expect rapid results from your efforts in shaping a tree with a Judas.
6) Keep your Judas tree actively growing during the spring and summer months by giving it a good soaking once or twice a week and misting the foliage to keep the leaves well hydrated. During its dormant winter period, cut back on watering and stop fertilizing until spring when new growth begins again.
Whatever you do, don’t give up on this unusual bonsai if it is not flowering, dropping leaves or growing at a normal pace. Although they are slow growers and not particularly easy to care for, the unique shape of the tree is well worth your patience!
Do Bugs Attack a Judas Tree Bonsai?
The Judas tree is not immune to anthracnose fungi. They can cause small tan spots on infected specimens. The spots enlarge and merge to form large, irregular, brown lesions. These lesions can girdle the branches or twigs, causing dieback. In severe cases the entire tree may die. A Judas tree bonsai is not immune to anthracnose fungi.
To prevent anthracnose fungi from attacking your Judas tree bonsai, spray the tree with a fungicide every two weeks from April to October. Make sure to read and follow the instructions on the fungicide label.
If your Judas tree bonsai is infected with anthracnose fungi, remove and destroy all infected branches and leaves. Sanitize your pruning tools with a 10 percent bleach solution after each cut.
Most judas trees are unable to survive severe anthracnose infections, so you should consider using a different type of bonsai tree if the rampant spread of anthracnose fungi is causing this problem in your Judas tree bonsai.
Besides being attacked by anthracnose fungi, Judas trees can also be infested by aphids, scale insects, and spider mites.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from plants. They are usually green, but they can also be red, brown, or black. Aphids can cause leaf curl and stunted growth.
Scale insects are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the stems or leaves of plants. They are usually light brown, but they can also be black, green, or red. Scale insects can cause a plant to wilt and die.
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like creatures that suck sap from plants. They are usually red, but they can also be green, yellow, or brown. Spider mites can cause a plant to wilt and die.
Conclusion
The Judas tree is a slow growing bonsai that can live more than 100 years. It is fussy about water and light, but it adds unusual color to your garden or home decor. With that, it is important to keep in mind that Judas tree bonsai can be susceptible to various pests and diseases, so regular monitoring for any issues is key. By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure your Judas tree bonsai remains healthy and looking its best!
