Oak is one of the most common deciduous trees on the planet. It grows on almost all continents of the world, so there are many of its varieties. The culture is unique in that, because of its crown, it can be grown in various ways, for example, in the bonsai style.
Types of Bonsai from Oak
Not all varieties of oak are suitable for decoration of its foliage in bonsai style. Most often, trees of the North American continent and beech species are used for this. For the formation of the crown, varieties with dense foliage are necessary.
Cuttings are cut in late spring
The beech oak Quercus palustris is especially in demand. As a rule, it is impossible to grow it in the garden in mid-latitudes, therefore the plant is kept only in room conditions. Another popular species is the northern oak Quercus ellipsoidalis, which also belongs to the beech group. Such trees have pointed jagged leaves with deep lobes.
Note! Often for the design of oak bonsai use pin types of wood, which have smaller foliage, which makes it more convenient in the design of the crown.
How to grow bonsai at home from oak
There are two main ways with which you can grow a tree at home: rooting cuttings and sowing seeds. In both cases, there are some nuances.
From a seed
To get bonsai from oak, you can plant seeds, that is, plant plant acorns in the ground, and grow seedlings. This process is longer than the cuttings, and will require special care after planting.
How to grow bonsai from an acorn of oak step by step:
- Soak acorns healthy without defects in water. Pull them out and dry thoroughly.
- Plant acorns in a box with a substrate or small cups.
- Pour and cover with foil.
- Periodically, containers should be ventilated and watered.
- When the root system develops in the sprouts, and they reach a height of 10-15 cm, they can be planted in separate large containers.
From cuttings
Growing with cuttings is carried out in the spring. Cut pieces from young and powerful shoots, you need to do this with an oblique cut. Cuttings are placed on a third in a nutrient substrate and moisturize abundantly.
Important! Tops for a greenhouse effect can be covered with a glass dome. They are transplanted only after the growth of a strong root system.
Soil or growing environment
If an oak seedling has been dug in a garden or park, it is advisable to leave the soil on its roots. The plant is demanding on the soil and will take root more quickly if it is planted in the "native" soil.
For planting the plant, a special substrate is used, which will be one third of organic matter. Also, it should include loose earth and some river sand.
Oak needs good lighting
It is necessary to provide the plant with prolonged lighting, so the pot is not recommended to be put in the shade. Humidity is needed high, and temperature - from 15 to 22 degrees.
Root pruning
It is necessary to grow bonsai oak with regular root pruning. This should be done during the removal of leaf blades and dead shoots in the fall, so that the shrub does not suffer greatly from a lack of nutrients due to a weakened root.
Pruning of the roots is carried out infrequently, only if necessary, when the branched system grows greatly. The oak is pulled out of the pot and soil removed. If there are dried rhizomes, they are cut off, and viable roots are shortened by a third of their length.
Note! If the roots are of different thicknesses, then only the thickest ones are shortened. This helps the development of weak roots.
Fertilizer
Just planting a tree in a pot is not enough, it must be fed. To do this, it is recommended to use mineral fertilizers, especially nitrogen-containing. The shrub does not bloom, so you can apply such fertilizing throughout the growing season.
Single Barrel Oak Forming Style
Formation
To get a beautiful crown, you need to annually trim the crown. There are many styles of pruning bonsai for oak:
- single-barrel vertical;
- forest;
- multi-barreled.
On a note! It is necessary to trim not only branches with leaves, but also new buds.
Creating a harmonious composition
In order not only to get a spectacular crown, but also to protect the bush from overvoltage, it is not recommended to form a bonsai oak in a cascading style. First of all, it is better to cut large sheet plates and leave small ones, so the tree will look more harmonious.
Care
It is necessary to take care of the plant constantly, because in order to grow a tree of perfect shape, it will take a lot of strength and attention. It is important to conduct all events regularly, following certain rules.
Diseases always hit leaf plates
Basic procedures and recommendations for the care of bonsai oak:
- Good lighting. Oak bonsai loves bright light. If the bush is planted in the garden, then the place should be selected as open as possible. At home, the bush is placed closer to the southern and western windows. With the advent of autumn, additional lighting is used in the form of ordinary lamps or special safe fitolamps.
- Humidity. This criterion becomes a problem in room conditions with the advent of winter. When the heating season starts, the shrub begins to suffer from dry air. In order not to encounter a similar problem, the bush is sprayed once a day. For additional moisture, the pot can be placed on a special tray, in which periodically you need to add water.
- Temperature. In the summer, a bonsai oak is taken out to the garden; a similar temperature regime is optimal for it. In winter, shrubs are kept at a temperature of + 10 ... +20 degrees.
- Watering. The procedure is carried out twice a week. Irrigation water should be clean and preferably not from the tap. It contains chlorine, which is very dangerous for the bush. Before use, tap water should be left to stand for 5-6 hours, it should be stirred periodically.
Important! In no case should you water decorative leafy plants with cold water. Better to let her warm at room temperature.
Pests and diseases
Oak is not affected by insects, but the plant can become sick. Most often this is due to insufficient care. Dry air, underfilling can provoke drying of the leaves. Powdery mildew may occasionally appear in the form of a white coating, which darkens over time. As a result, the tree loses strength and fades. The disease is treated with fungicides.
Spectacular Bonsai Oak
Oak bonsai looks very impressive at home. In winter, it is grown indoors, and in summer the plant can be taken out to the garden and even taken to the country. The shrub will harmoniously fit into the garden composition.
