Seasonal Care Guide
Early Summer
(Jun 1 – Jun 30)
- Watering: Deep water regularly—pots warm up quickly in heat.
- Fertilization: Continue balanced feed every 2 weeks.
- Pruning: If leaf size becomes excessive, consider partial defoliation.
- Wiring: Minor wiring for refinement before tissue hardens.
- Defoliation: Partial defoliation after first flush can reduce leaf size.
- Pests Disease: Watch for mites; treat with horticultural oil if needed.
- Summer Protection: Provide afternoon shade during heatwaves.
Mid Summer
(Jul 1 – Aug 10)
- Watering: Monitor daily; ensure no drought stress.
- Fertilization: Taper nitrogen; hold feed during hottest weeks.
- Pruning: Pinch back soft spring growth; wait until fall for structure.
- Pests Disease: Check for powdery mildew in humid weather.
- Summer Protection: Ensure root ball doesn’t overheat—shade or pot insulation.
Late Summer
(Aug 11 – Aug 31)
- Watering: Maintain consistent moisture as growth slows.
- Fertilization: Apply phosphorus high feed to support root health.
Species Overview
Highly refined deciduous tree; delicate branching and strong seasonal appeal; widely used in bonsai.
- Leaf Persistence: Deciduous
- Leaf Form: Broadleaf
- Watering: High
- Watering Notes: Never allow to dry out completely.
- Watering Season: Spring → Autumn
- Fertilization: Balanced
- Fertilization Notes: Avoid high-nitrogen after midsummer.
- Wiring: Spring or Autumn
- Wiring Notes: Use guy wires for older wood to reduce scarring.
- Pruning: Structural in early spring, maintenance through summer
- Pruning Notes: Pinch new shoots to maintain shape.
- Repotting: Every 2-3 years
- Repotting Notes: Repot just as buds begin to swell.
- Propagation: Cuttings or seed
- Propagation Notes: Cuttings root easily with hormone.
- Zone 8b: Protect roots if temps < 20 F
Mossy Spot
