There are many benefits to investing in bonsai trees, but not many people know that you can also grow them with fruit!
When cultivating fruit tree bonsai, you must ensure you select the appropriate species for your requirements.
Fruiting trees are an excellent way to add visual interest and flavor to your home. But remember: cultivating these bonsai takes time and commitment.
Citrus
Citrus trees make for a stunning addition to any garden, offering various shapes and sizes depending on the species or cultivar. Not only that, but their flowers also produce delicious treats – an absolutely delightful sight!
Lemon and orange trees make excellent bonsai specimens due to their ease of care requirements and attractive appearance.
A Meyer lemon bonsai, for instance, is an ideal choice as it will produce stunning white fragrant flowers and delicious fruits “lemons” all year long. These plants need full sun to achieve optimal bloom and fruit development.
Other citrus varieties suitable for bonsai include the calamondin orange, which produces fragrant blossoms and small, bright-yellow fruit. These can be eaten whole or pressed to extract juice and pulp.
Starting your citrus tree from seed requires selecting a pot that is deep enough for its roots to spread outward and away from the trunk of the tree, yet still large enough for support of branches. For starters, 12″ diameter pots work best; mature trees will require pots twice this size or larger in order to provide plenty of room for root development.
Once you have your pot, fill it with soil that is slightly acidic and well-draining. A mixture of regular potting soil and some peat is ideal for this task.
If your citrus tree is an established specimen, it may need to be re-potted at least once annually. The ideal time for this task would be in the springtime before new growth commences.
When repotting your tree, take the time to cut back and prune away any excessive roots that could be causing issues for your plant. Doing so will promote healthy, strong roots that can withstand the strains of bonsai culture.
It is essential to fertilize your citrus tree regularly. A citrus fertilizer, specifically made for this purpose, should be applied once a month from spring through fall and once in the winter if necessary.
Fig
Fig trees are popular bonsai varieties that thrive in warm, dry climates. These evergreen trees produce fruit twice annually – in the spring and fall – making them an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.
Figs can be enjoyed fresh or cooked. Their sweet and savory flesh resembles plump raisins. Plus, these fruits are packed full of vitamins A and C as well as minerals like iron, copper, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and zinc.
Most figs boast thick, glossy leaves that remain evergreen. Some varieties have hairy, rough foliage referred to as sandpaper figs. These easy-care trees thrive in hot climates due to their heat tolerance.
They require minimal upkeep and little to no fertilizing. Furthermore, they prefer moist soil that drains well; water them regularly and mulch with organic matter to increase soil moisture levels.
If your fig tree lives in a colder climate, protect its stems by storing it indoors a cool and dry place during winter. Doing this helps avoid winter-killed aboveground stems and produces higher-quality figs.
Another issue that may affect figs is root-knot nematode, which infects the roots and prevents them from absording nutrients. As a result, infected figs won’t grow as vigorously and tend to produce less fruit.
Figs are vulnerable to rust, a fungus that appears as raised reddish-brown spots on the underside of leaves. While rust usually doesn’t cause harm to figs, it can be an annoying pest to manage.
Spraying your fig trees with fungicide once a season is a wise idea to prevent fungal blights that could harm the tree and produce an unpalatable crop.
If you have a fig tree in your home, it’s wise to harvest its fruit before it turns brown and shrivels. Unharvesting figs encourages insect infestations which may damage the leaves and branches of your tree.
Maintain the health of your fig tree by feeding it regularly and pruning regularly. You can do this with either a rotted manure mixture or liquid organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion. Incorporating organic matter into the soil improves drainage, moisture levels, and micronutrient concentrations.
Berries
Fruit trees are a popular choice among bonsai enthusiasts, and there is an array of species to choose from. Some require less effort and maintenance than others – crabapples, cherries, calamondin oranges (Citrus mitis), quince, key limes and Meyer lemons being particularly suitable for beginners as they require little upkeep.
For something a bit special, why not grow a berry tree in your collection? Bramble berries make excellent snacks or can be used for making jams, jellies and pies.
Another excellent option is the Japanese winterberry, which adds a vibrant splash of color to any room. This plant requires minimal space in your garden and can be left outdoors all year round.
Before planting any fruit trees, be sure to check with your local regulations. Mulberries for instance may be prohibited in some cities due to their high pollen content.
Star fruits, also referred to as pomegranates, make an eye-catching bonsai display. Not only are they visually captivating, but their miniature form lends them an amazing sculptural quality.
They make an ideal starting choice for gardeners, since they can be grown in any kind of soil. Plus, their fruits thrive under full sunlight – essential for fruiting plants!
You can also use a slow-release fertilizer on berry bonsai plants to provide them with essential nutrition without overfeeding. This is especially beneficial if you want to promote fruit formation.
Berries make for a great bonsai option that doesn’t need to be very large, as their size doesn’t change with age and can still look impressive. If you’re worried about birds eating your berries, a net or walk-in fruit cage are effective methods of keeping them out of your bonsai.
For beginners, I highly recommend the Japanese winterberry tree. It is relatively easy to care for and produces an eye-catching red berry that would look just as stunning in a small bonsai as in its garden setting.
Olive
Olive trees make ideal bonsai trees due to their versatility and ease of care. Not only that, but these hardy trees can thrive in a variety of climates – from sunny to shaded – making them the perfect choice for beginners or experts alike!
If you’re thinking about growing your own olive tree bonsai, the initial step is deciding on a style. You have several options to choose from, such as free upright (Moyogi style) and broom shape.
The next step is to decide how big you want your olive bonsai tree to grow. As these trees tend to take time to establish themselves, it’s best to plan ahead for optimal success.
When planning where your olive tree will be situated, keep in mind that its growth rate depends on its environment. Ideally, place the tree where it can receive plenty of sunshine for optimal health benefits.
Before planting your olive tree bonsai, you should fertilize and nourish its soil with various products. However, be careful not to overload with fertilizer as this could harm the tree.
For optimal growth, choose a substrate that is well-drained and structurally stable. This will enable your olive tree to thrive in its natural environment while remaining healthy.
For the ideal substrate, mix pumice gravel or expanded slate with it. Ideally, it should be slightly alkaline as pumice gravel has a pH value between 7 to 8.
Repotting an olive tree bonsai requires placing it in a large container with plenty of room to grow. Doing this will not only ensure optimal nourishment for the tree, but you should also water it regularly so that it doesn’t dry out.
Keep an eye on your olive tree bonsai’s leaves, as they tend to wilt quickly if not kept hydrated. Depending on where you live, you may need to water it twice daily during hot weather.
Finally, be mindful of pests and disease. Olive tree bonsai plants are vulnerable to aphids and mites, so it’s essential that you use a mild insecticide on them to keep them away from your tree.