Jooni
Liquidamber
1 Species
Species
Fertilizing
During the growing season, maintain a consistent fertilization schedule by applying a balanced liquid fertilizer weekly or a solid organic fertilizer monthly. For optimal results, dilute liquid fertilizers to half strength to prevent nutrient burn. The Liquidambar responds well to regular feeding every two weeks throughout its active growth period, which helps maintain its vibrant foliage and supports healthy development.
Placement
Position your Liquidambar bonsai in a full sun location that receives good humidity. During the hottest summer weeks, provide some midday and early afternoon shade to protect the foliage. While these trees are frost-hardy, they require protection from harsh winds and temperatures below -10°C (15°F) when grown in bonsai containers. The tree should be placed outside year-round but may need additional protection during severe winter conditions.
Pruning
Pruning requires careful timing and technique with Liquidambar bonsai. Large branches should only be pruned after spring shoot emergence, as pruning during dormancy can cause dieback and poor wound healing. Always use a wound sealant on cut surfaces. Allow shoots to grow 10-15 cm before cutting back to one or two leaves, and pay special attention to controlling the vigorous apex growth to prevent lower branch weakening.
Wire new shoots and twigs in June and July to improve ramification. Guy wires can be effective for shaping since the old wood is quite stiff and resistant to bending. The tree responds well to leaf pruning, which can help reduce leaf size and encourage back-budding. Remember that scars take time to heal, but healing is faster when pruning is done during the growing season.
Repotting
Repot your Liquidambar bonsai every two to three years in early spring while the tree is still dormant. The roots tend to grow vigorously, so normal to heavy root pruning is acceptable. Use a well-draining standard soil mixture with a neutral to slightly acidic pH value (6.0-6.5). Older and larger specimens can be repotted at longer intervals, but maintain good drainage and soil quality to ensure healthy growth.
Watering
Water the Liquidambar bonsai thoroughly when the soil surface begins to feel dry. The tree prefers slightly acidic conditions with pH values between 6.0 and 6.5. If your tap water is too alkaline, consider using rainwater or a mixture of both while monitoring pH levels. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root problems, but maintain consistent moisture especially during the growing season. During winter, reduce watering frequency but never allow the root system to completely dry out.