Satsuki Azalea Bonsai Care Information
Satsuki Azalea Bonsai Trees are a popular due to their flowering qualities. Unlike typical Azaleas, Satsuki Azaleas tend to bloom tighter smaller flowers ideal for bonsai. Our Satsuki Azaleas bloom twice a year with proper care.
The success of your bonsai depends on a variety of factors, most notably watering and light. Below are some species specific guidelines to follow that will help ensure that your bonsai will stay healthy and happy.
Pruning Tips:
Azalea bonsai trees can be trained easily using the clip and grow method. Azaleas back bud after major cuts. We recommend waiting for woody growth prior cutting back to ensure bud growth. Due their brittle nature, care should be taken with azalea bonsai trees when applying wire. A good technique for training azalea is the use of guy wire along with the clip and grow technique.
Fertilizing:
We recommend fertilizing your bonsai tree every month with a bonsai fertilizer. Time release granules are the easiest to use and can be added every season. Reduce the amount of fertilizer during the winter. Take care to not over-fertilize as this can cause your leaves to burn or grow too leggy.
Lighting:
Azalea Bonsai trees thrive best with natural sunlight. We recommend filtered natural sunlight. If placed in full sun, take care to manage your watering to prevent your tree from drying out. Also, full sunlight can lead to some leaf burn.
Temperature Requirements:
Azaleas prefer warm temperate climates above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If exposed to colder weather, leaves may turn yellow and fall off. However, once the temperature becomes warmer, new sprouts will appear.
Watering Requirements:
Azalea bonsai trees require moderate watering. We recommend using a soft spray to soak the soil. Ensure that water penetrates not only the topsoil but also into the roots by checking that draining is occurring on the bottom of the pot. Keep the Azalea moist at all times.
Repotting:
Azalea bonsai trees can be repotted during spring and fall for highest success rates. Avoid winter repotting as colder temperatures will make it harder for roots to recover. During repotting, we recommend trimming off older roots to promote new growth. After repotting, place tree in a shaded area for 2-3 weeks prior to placing back in full or partial sun. Azaleas prefer more acidic soil. This will help to reduce leaf burn and maintain greener leaf color.
Indoor / Outdoor:
Azalea bonsai trees thrive best in outdoor conditions. However, they can be kept indoors if cared for properly. During the winter, trees can be overwintered to protect from freezing and leaf yellowing.
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