Funny Nature & Travel Art & Stage Going Viral Science Greetings Inspirational

Edit Profile Recently Viewed Favorites

Main > Tips & DIY > Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

A Guide to Growing Bonsai Fruit Trees

Edited By: Jake R.

Add to Favorites In Favorites

Español

Font Size:

A+ A-

If you’ve ever had a piece of fruit, right after it was picked from the tree, you know that it beats store-bought fruit any day of the week. However, what do you do if you don’t have enough space for a tree? The answer is the ancient Japanese art of bonsai, or growing a miniature tree in a pot. While bonsai trees produce smaller limbs and leaves, they will still produce full-sized fruits, making them a perfect solution for people who still want to enjoy the taste of fresh fruits in a confined space.

Before you begin

It is important to remember that bonsai training is difficult, and you are more likely to succeed if you choose a tree that is native to your area, or that can handle your local weather well. It is also important to allow the seedling to grow and become strong before you start cutting and training it. Despite the fact that bonsai trees grow faster, don’t expect to be harvesting fruit in a couple of months. Some trees might need around five years before you can harvest anything.

Preparations

First and foremost, select a tree you’d like to grow.
You can start with a seed, a seedling, or a cutting.
Seeds and seedlings can be procured from a local nursery.
Select a proper container. If your tree roots to the sides, a wider pot it recommended.
Placing rocks in the soil forces the roots to split. Split roots are weaker, which contributes to the miniaturization.
The soil you use needs to be rich. Consult with your local nursery about what type of soil will best fit your tree.

Planting the tree

Make sure that the pot has draining holes. If it doesn’t, drill a few in, and cover them with a screen to prevent soil loss.
Before planting the tree, make sure its roots are not tangled, remove any brown or decaying roots, then find the main root, or “taproot”, and cut it off. Be as gentle as possible when handling the roots.
Line the bottom of the pot with soil and rocks, then add the tree.
Spread the roots out and cover them with more soil until it is leveled with the top of the pot.
Water the soil thoroughly and allow excess water to drain.
If you want to complete the look, you can add moss to the top soil for aesthetic purposes.

Care

Trees need a lot of light, so make sure your tree is in a well-lit area.
Watering should be done when the soil is almost dried out.
Initially, allow the tree to take root in its new environment and grow a little before starting to prune it. This can take a few months but will greatly contribute to the tree’s overall health and growth rate.
Use scissors to maintain the shape of your tree. Prune from time to time, focusing on branches that look less-healthy.
Fertilizing should be done periodically. During the winter, use low-nitrogen fertilizer. In the spring, use nitrogen-rich fertilizer, and in the summer use a balanced fertilizer.

Shaping

Shaping is performed to give the tree a weathered look, without damaging it.

Use a metal wire to control the direction of growth. The wire mustn’t be too tight and will need periodic replacement as the tree grows. Wiring is done by looping a copper wire around the top of the trunk, then slowly looping the wire around the trunk and down to the base. If you wish to have certain branches bend a certain way, use the wire to direct them to where you want them to go.

BONUS: Here's a Simple Video Guide For Beginners

Like Next Post Send Share WhatsApp

Copy Link

Did you mean:

Continue With: Facebook Google

By continuing, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy

Report copyright infringement

Print this content

You may also like:

Recipes & Drinks

These Food Hacks Are the Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

Discover the many wonder ways to manipulate food so that its delicious and quick to prepare. Some of these ideas are the best thing since sliced bread.

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

9 Things Not to Cook in a No Oil Frying Pan

Love Your No Oil Frying Pan? Don’t make these 9 mistakes!

Here are 9 foods that an oil-free frying pot isn’t meant for.

Recipes & Drinks

3 Winning Banana-Based Delicacies Everyone Will Love

From creamy puddings to decadent cakes and vegan cookies, these dishes showcase the banana's endless possibilities.

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

3:39

Tutorial: How to Grow Roses Using the Stem Cuttings

This tutorial is only a few minutes long, but it gives you a very simple, straight-forward and practical way of growing your own rose bush from stem cuttings.

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

The Ultimate Guide to All Things Nuts

hether you're a snacker, a cook, or just curious, you'll find plenty of reasons to make these versatile treats a staple in your pantry.

Recipes & Drinks

Make Delicious Mango Roll-Ups In 5 Easy Steps

There’s nothing better than homemade snacks. This sugar-free recipe for dried mango roll-ups is so easy; it only has 5-steps.

Health

A Cup of This May Protect Your Heart Better Than Exercise

Researchers from the University of Birmingham have found that a hot drink containing natural cocoa may prevent the damage to blood vessels caused by hours of continuous sitting.

Design & Photography

Fascinating Photos You Don't Usually See

These are Some of the Most Fascinating Photos!

There's always more than what you saw at first glance, especially in these photos.

Send Comment

Related Topics: food, fruit, do it yourself, gardening, bonsai tree, bonsai trees, tips and tricks

Quizzes

Test yourself: How Do You Communicate?

The truth is, there’s no one “correct” way to have a conversation. So what’s your communication style? Let’s find out.

Guess the Country from Its Misconceptions

Spelling Bee: Literary Edition

hink you can outspell a Victorian novelist or outwit a modern essayist? Put down your book and pick up your brain—it's time to prove your literary mettle.

Most popular in Tips, Life Hacks and DIY