Hey there, fellow bonsai enthusiasts! Welcome back to our blog. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of Sweet Gum, also known as Liquidambar, Bonsai Care. Whether you’re a seasoned bonsai veteran or just starting on this captivating journey, our guide is here to be your trusted companion throughout the year.
Sweet Gum (Liquidambar) Bonsai Care Guide
Table of contents:
*click above to jump to the topic
Introduction
Let’s kick things off by introducing you to the marvelous world of Sweet Gum, or Liquidambar. This deciduous tree is a true low-maintenance gem. Hailing from regions like Texas, Florida, and Central America, it’s even capable of thriving in the sweltering heat of the Central Valley – a testament to its adaptability.
When fully mature, the Liquidambar creates a striking crown with its star-shaped leaves boasting five long-pointed, saw-toothed lobes. What’s fascinating is its versatility when it comes to soil types. Believe it or not, some bonsai enthusiasts have successfully nurtured their Sweet Gum for nearly two decades without the fancy Akadama soil, opting for readily available options from places like Home Depot.
However, one vital thing to note is the Sweet Gum’s shade intolerance. Think of it as a sun-loving friend – the more light you give it, the happier it’ll be. If you’re aiming for a vibrant and lush bonsai, steer clear of keeping it in the shadows.
Spring
Ah, spring – the season of renewal. As the weather warms up, keep an eye out for those telltale signs of activity. Watch as the once-purple buds start to swell and transition to a vibrant green, a clear sign that your tree is gearing up for action.
Fertilizing: If your goal is to thicken that trunk, go ahead and fertilize. But if your tree is already refined, hold back on the fertilizer to avoid those pesky large leaves.
Repotting: The transition from purple to green buds is your cue for repotting. Don’t be afraid to bare-root your Sweet Gum, as long as you provide it with the TLC it deserves. Up to 50% of root removal is okay, but exercise caution with refined trees to avoid spring branch drop.
Soil Mixture: During the development phase I suggest to use potting mix you can find in your local Home Depot or Lowes, this tree is not very choosy on what soil is it on. For refinement, standard bonsai mixes do the trick. Adjust ratios based on your local conditions – humid dwellers opt for a 1:1 Akadama and pumice mix, while those in hot, low humidity zones lean towards 2:1 akadama and pumice.
Watering: Springtime demands careful watering for all trees. For more detailed guidance on deciduous watering, check out Watering Deciduous Bonsai Trees blog post. The essence is simple: water when the top layer of soil is dry.
Pest and Disease Prevention: In spring, let nature do its thing. Hold off on the chemicals and allow those fresh buds to thrive naturally.
Pruning and Styling: Spring pruning should be minimal. If you must prune, aim for early spring around January or February. Wiring can also be tackled during this time.
Summer
Summer rolls in, and with it, new challenges and opportunities for your Sweet Gum Bonsai.
Fertilizing: Stay consistent with spring’s fertilizing routine, especially if trunk-thickening is your aim. For a tree that is in refinement stage I suggest not to put any fertilizer since its going to make the leaves big thus affect your fine ramification.
Watering: As temperatures rise, adapt your watering approach. Refer to my blog post on Watering Deciduous Bonsai Tree for effective strategies. If you’re away during the day, a morning soak with an evening check works wonders. For a hassle-free solution, invest in an automatic watering system.
Pest and Disease Prevention: The bug season is upon us, but Sweet Gum is resilient. Only opt for sprays if absolutely necessary. The tree that I have is close to 20 years and the original owner told me he never use any fungicide and pesticide for it.
Pruning and Styling: Summer is synonymous with growth, and your Sweet Gum will flourish like a weed. For young trees, let them grow freely to thicken their trunks. Refined trees can be trimmed back to maintain their silhouette. Fast growth might demand 2-3 cutbacks and an August defoliation in some regions. Summer is ideal for bold pruning like trunk chops or branch removals.
Wiring: Check your wires for bites and consider wiring after defoliation.
Fall
The golden hues of autumn bring a shift in focus for your Sweet Gum.
Fertilizing: Autumn is a critical feeding time. Utilize organic fertilizers and osmocote for developing trees.
Watering: Continue the tried-and-true method of checking the soil’s top layer.
Pest and Disease Prevention: Stick to the same principles as summer – act only when necessary.
Pruning and Styling: Early fall is suitable for pruning and cutbacks. As the season progresses, let your deciduous beauties prepare for dormancy without any major interventions.
Wiring: Reserve wiring for the winter months.
Winter
As winter blankets the landscape, your Sweet Gum enters a quieter phase.
Watering: Even in winter, regular watering remains crucial. Aim for once a week to ensure the core remains moist.
Pest and Disease Prevention: Winter welcomes fungicides like Lime Sulfur and Copper spray. Stay tuned for our upcoming post on Pesticide and Fungicide for more insight.
Pruning and Styling: Silhouette refinement is your winter project. Trim back branches to align with your design vision.
Wiring: This is a prime time to wire your Sweet Gum, setting the stage for its springtime splendor.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through Sweet Gum Bonsai care. Don’t forget to visit our Bonsai Calendar page and bookmark it for future reference. Your bonsai adventure awaits!