This guide is looking at the European Sycamore. (Acer pseudoplatanus). This tree is now native to the UK after being brought here by the Romans. I have no experience with the American type, so I cant say if they can be cared for in the same way.
Sycamore is probably is one of the most common trees you will see in the UK. It is originally from mainland Europe where it can also be found in abundance.
It is a large deciduous tree and often gets a lot of hate in the bonsai community and is deemed a terrible candidate for bonsai …which is true.
I dug up a young sycamore tree from my overgrown communal garden in 2017. I have been developing it as bonsai ever since. You can see its progress in my Sycamore Bonsai Progression
Page Contents
What Is The Natural Habitat Of A Sycamore Tree?
Sycamores grow all across Europe and the UK, so you it can grow really well in a variety of different environments.
What Soil Do Sycamore Bonsai Need?
Sycamore bonsai can grow in a number of different soil types, which is why you find them growing everywhere!
I grow my sycamore in my standard bonsai mix of equal parts Perlite/Molar Clay/Compost and I have had no problems. This mix is well draining and keeps the soil moist, without being waterlogged so it is going to be ideal for producing fine roots and generally keeping the tree healthy.
(For more info on soil read – A General Guide To Bonsai Soil)
How Do You Water A Sycamore Bonsai?
Sycamore bonsai can use a lot of water in the summer when they are actively growing. Keep the soil moist at all times. You should water just as the soil as it is starting to dry up.
(For more info you can read –How To Water A Bonsai)
How Much Sun Light Does A Sycamore Bonsai Need?
I leave my Sycamore bonsai outside in full sun all year round, It can get a small bit of sun burn, but normally if it is well watered it does not suffer this.
In nature they are quite tall and will usually not be shaded out by anything, so its is fine for them to have lots of direct sun. They also grow all across Europe where some areas can get a lot of sun.
Just leave your tree outside, the sun in your area will be more than enough for them.
How Hardy Are Sycamore Bonsai?
Sycamores are fully hardy in the UK and can survives temperatures as low as -20°C / -4°F, which is why they are able to grow all across Europe.
If you are growing them in a pot I would probably protect them in a unheated shed or greenhouse is the temperature is going to be this low for an extended period of time. Trees in pots are not as tough as those growing in the ground, but you should have no problems even if things dip below freezing.
How Often Do You Feed A Sycamore Bonsai?
I feed my sycamore bonsai once a month during the growing season with an all purpose fertiliser.
Sycamores have very coarse growth with long inter nodes. if you want to minimise this, use less Nitrogen. I am not concerned about this at the moment as my tree is not in a ramification stage, but it is something I will need to deal with in a few years.
(For more info you can read – Do You Need To Use “Bonsai” Fertiliser?)
How Do Sycamore Bonsai Respond to Pruning?
Sycamore bonsai responds well to pruning. I have found that regular pruning has helped reduce the leaf size down. They are still large and the growth is still coarse, but it is reduced compared to a full size tree.
(For more info you can read- How To Prune A Bonsai Tree)
Repotting A Sycamore Bonsai
Sycamore bonsai should be repotted in spring just before the buds open.
You can treat them like any other deciduous tree and prune the roots hard, if you time it right and if the tree is healthy.
(For more info you can read – How To Repot A Bonsai Tree)
Wiring A Sycamore Bonsai
Sycamore bonsai can be wired but as they grow fast, wire can quickly cut in and cause damage.
(For more info you can read –When To Remove Wire)
What Is The Leaf Pattern Of A Sycamore Bonsai?
Like other Acers, Sycamore has a opposite leaf pair pattern. Sycamore has large leaves. I have been able to reduce them, although not as small as I would like.
What Pests Does A Sycamore Bonsai Suffer From?
Aphids and caterpillars are the two pests I have noticed the most on sycamore bonsai. These should not trouble a healthy tree but you should still check regularly for any problems and deal with them accordingly
Can You Propagate A Sycamore Bonsai?
Sycamore are easily grown from seed.
I have not tired, but I believe they would root from cuttings and they should air layer without trouble.
Since they are not really a desirable tree for bonsai there is no real need to propagate them. If you really want more you will probably just find loads of seedlings popping up in your garden if you have a full size tree near by.
What Is The Growth Rate Of A Sycamore Bonsai?
Sycamore bonsai are extremely fast and aggressive growers. A full size tree can reach 35m tall, so when they are young they will grow rapidly.
This can cause long internode lengths. They also push out multiple buds from the one location which does not help with taper and will cause knuckles of growth.
Sycamore growth is something that seems good, but actually isn’t ideal for bonsai. You will be constantly battling with the tree to keep it small.
Should You Get A Sycamore Bonsai?
I would not actively seek out a sycamore bonsai.
If you find one in your garden, or a seed pops up in one of your pots. keep it and have some fun. But do not go out of your way to get one.
They are nice trees, but very hard to tame and keep small. I am enjoying the challenge and I am happy to continue, even though I know my efforts may never amount to anything.
I would not want any more in my collection. For more information you can read is Sycamore Is A Good Tree For Bonsai?
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
