Apple trees, also known as Malus trees, are a small deciduous tree grown for their fruit. They are great trees and can work really well as bonsai and they are easy to care for.
I grew an apple tree from seed in 2015. You can see how my tree is developing in my Apple Bonsai Progression.
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What Is The Natural Habitat Of An Apple Tree?
Apples will grow naturally in the UK climate and also in many other countries around the word. Apples have been domestically cultivated for thousands of years and there is thousands of varieties.
So it is very likely you will be able to find an Apple that can grow in your climate with no problem.
What Soil Do Apple Bonsai Need?
Apple bonsai like a free draining, neutral PH soil.
I use my standard Free draining mix of equal parts Perlite/ Molar clay/ Compost. I have had no issues with this mix.
As they grow all over the world they will probably handle a variety of different soils, but a nice free draining one will help you develop a good root structure.
(For more info on soil read – A General Guide To Bonsai Soil)
How Do You Water An Apple Bonsai?
Apple bonsai will take a lot of water especially in summer when they are growing. They should be kept moist and not allowed to dry out.
I have had mine dry out for a short time and it was fine. But you should try and avoid this. You should water them before they dry out. If you have a good free draining soil your tree will not become waterlogged and will only remain damp.
(For more info you can read –How To Water A Bonsai)
How Much Sun Light Does An Apple Bonsai Need?
Apple bonsai trees can take full sun. Different species will tolerate different levels of shades, but you should find that no matter where you live, they will grow just fine, especially if it is a variety that is from your local area.
Even if it is not, it should still grow well and the level of sunlight you get should be fine. You should not need any extra lighting.
Hows Hardy Are Apple Bonsai?
Apple bonsai are hardy and can handle cold weather. In the UK they need no protection. I would not worry about them unless they have a very shallow root system or it is very cold in your area for a sustained time. If this is the case then just place your tree in a shed, or unheated greenhouse.
If you want your apple tree to flower and be generally healthy then you need to give them a cold period over winter. The optimum temperature for fruit tress like this is between 1-8°C (34-46°F). How long the tree needs in this temperature range is dependent on the variety. If it goes slightly below this, it should be fine, but as i mention, if it is really cold and really dipping below freezing, then protect your tree.
Just let nature do its thing and if you have a tree that is suitable for your climate, then you should get flowers when the tree is old enough to grow them.
How Often Do You Feed An Apple Bonsai?
Apple bonsai can be feed fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
I just use a standard all purpose fertilizer and have had good results.
(For more info you can read – Do You Need To Use “Bonsai” Fertiliser?)
How Do Apple Bonsai Respond to Pruning?
Apple bonsai respond well to prunining
Hard Pruning is best done in winter before the sap rises and the buds swell.
Apple bonsai trees will bleed sap if cut during the growing season, so try and keep the bigger cuts for when the tree is dormant. You can prune the foliage back during the summer to build ramification. Just prune it like any other deciduous tree, pruning back to 2 or 3 leaves on any branch.
(For more info you can read- How To Prune A Bonsai Tree)
Repotting An Apple Bonsai
Apple bonsai trees should be repotted in early spring as the buds are swelling and about to open.
The roots can be pruned hard at this time, but this should be based on each individual trees health and needs.
(For more info you can read – How To Repot A Bonsai Tree)
Wiring An Apple Bonsai
Apple bonsai can be easily wired into shape. It is best to do this winter when the leaves are off and you can see what you are doing.
Watch out for wire bite as apples can grow fast and you can damage the branches. You can do a lot of work though clip and grow. Wiring will just help get these branches into place and gives you more control over its shape.
(You can read more about – When Do You Remove The Wire From Your Bonsai?)
What Is The Leaf Pattern Of An Apple Bonsai?
Apple bonsai have an alternate growth pattern. They are deciduous tree, so they will lose their leaves in the winter.
What Pests Does An Apple Bonsai Suffer From?
Apple bonsai trees can suffer:
Powdery mildew
Aphids
Apple scab
Caterpillars
These are all easily treated. You should check your tree often to make sure it is healthy and not suffering from any problems.
Can You Propagate An Apple Bonsai?
Apple bonsai can be easily propagated from Seeds, Cuttings and Air Layers.
They will easily take root and you can also get some great material from yamadori. Digging a tree up is going to get you a great trunk to work with.
What Is The Growth Rate Of An Apple Bonsai?
The growth rate of apple bonsai trees is quite fast. In the right conditions they can put a lot of growth on and if you are growing them in the ground you will have a good size trunk after a few years.
Should You Get An Apple Bonsai?
Apple bonsai trees are an excellent choice for a beginners.
They are easily started from seed, they grow quickly and are easy to care for, so you should get one.
They also can make very nice trees once developed. You can read more about Do Apples Make Good Bonsai Trees?
Hi, I’m Ian. I have been doing bonsai since 2014. I created this site to spread all the knowledge I have acquired over the years. Don’t forget to check out my Youtube videos where I show the progress of my own Bonsai each week or connect with me on social media.
You can read more about me and how I got into Bonsai on the About Page
