Olive trees are a popular choice for bonsai enthusiasts, thanks to their distinctive shape and hardy nature. With their small, delicate leaves and gnarled trunks, olive trees make a stunning addition to any collection. However, creating a thriving olive tree bonsai requires careful attention to detail and a good deal of patience. In this article, we will explore some of the techniques and considerations involved in bonsai-ing an olive tree, from selecting the right specimen to pruning and shaping the tree over time.
Understanding Bonsai Basics
Bonsai is an ancient horticultural art form that originated in China and gained popularity in Japan. The goal of bonsai is to create a miniaturized, yet realistic, representation of nature through the cultivation of small potted trees.
History of Bonsai
The art of bonsai can be traced back over a thousand years to ancient China, where it was known as penjing. Over time, the practice spread to Japan, where it evolved into its current form and became an essential part of Japanese culture.
Bonsai Techniques and Styles
Bonsai artists use a variety of techniques to create their miniature masterpieces, including pruning, wiring, and grafting. These techniques help to shape the tree, control its growth, and maintain its small size.
There are several established bonsai styles, each with its unique aesthetics and characteristics:
- Formal Upright (Chokkan): A straight, vertically-growing tree with a triangular silhouette.
- Informal Upright (Moyogi): A tree with a curved, yet balanced, trunk that resembles natural tree growth.
- Slanting (Shakan): A tree with a slanted trunk, often used to represent trees growing on hillsides or in windy environments.
- Cascade (Kengai): A tree with a downward-growing trunk, reminiscent of trees growing on cliffs or near waterfalls.
- Multi-trunk (Ikadabuki): A style where multiple trunks emerge from the same root system, forming a single, cohesive composition.
These styles are often combined and adapted to suit the individual artist’s vision and the specific characteristics of the tree being cultivated.
Selecting an Olive Tree
When creating a bonsai from an olive tree, the selection process is crucial to achieving the desired outcome. There are two primary ways to obtain the ideal tree for bonsai: either by choosing an appropriate species or by opting for nursery stock or seedling.
Olive Tree Species
There are numerous species of olive trees, some more suited to bonsai cultivation than others. The main objective is to find a tree with small leaves and visually appealing characteristics that respond well to bonsai techniques. A popular and recommended species for bonsai is the Olea europaea due to its ability to adapt to container growth, its attractive gray-green foliage, and its small leaf size. The Olive Bonsai can provide a beautiful and unique aesthetic to the bonsai collection.
Nursery Stock or Seedling
The second method of selecting an olive tree for bonsai is to choose either nursery-grown stock or a seedling. Nursery stock may offer a more matured plant which likely has had some basic branch development, making it easier to shape and style. Seedlings, on the other hand, give more freedom for developing your bonsai tree from scratch, allowing for more control over the overall growth and final design. Regardless of the route chosen, ensure the tree is healthy and exhibits desirable features like a strong root system and well-developed branches.
Initial Pruning and Shaping
When starting the process of creating an olive tree bonsai, the initial pruning and shaping of the tree are essential steps. This section will cover pruning techniques and guidance on shaping the tree to set a strong foundation for your bonsai’s growth and development.
Pruning Techniques
Begin by selecting a healthy olive tree and identifying the primary branches that will form the structure of your bonsai. Remove any unnecessary or weak branches, focusing on those that are too close together, damaged, or growing directly towards or away from the trunk. To encourage bushier growth, trim the side branches and leaves on the lower third of the tree, keeping the main stem clean and clear. Regular pruning will help maintain the desired shape and size of your olive bonsai.
Shaping the Tree
Shaping the olive tree helps create an aesthetically pleasing bonsai. After pruning, start determining the tree’s form by setting a central leader, which is the main upright stem of the tree. To create an olive tree bonsai, you can use techniques such as wiring, which involves wrapping wires around the branches to manipulate their growth and direction. Carefully bend the branches into the desired position, paying close attention to not cause any damage. As the tree grows, you can adjust the wiring to refine the shape further. Remember to monitor the tree’s growth closely and remove the wires once the branches have set in their desired form.
Potting and Soil
Choosing the Right Pot
When selecting a pot for your olive tree bonsai, consider the material’s impact on soil conditions. Plastic pots retain moisture better, while clay pots allow for quicker evaporation (source). Choose a pot size suitable to accommodate the tree’s root system, but remember that the bonsai art aims to create proportion and harmony between the tree and its container.
Creating a Bonsai Soil Mix
Olive tree bonsai require well-draining soil to thrive. An inorganic mix made of akadama and volcanic ash is ideal for coniferous species like olive trees (source). For bonsai soil, it’s essential to prioritize both air circulation and moisture retention. Another suitable mix can consist of one part organic material and two parts potting soil (source).
Regular bonsai care, such as proper watering and fertilization, is essential to maintain the health of your olive tree. Ensure that the soil mix used does not exceed the tree’s nutritional requirements, as over-fertilizing can do more harm than good.
Watering and Fertilizing
Optimal Watering Techniques
To ensure the proper growth of your olive bonsai tree, it is crucial to water it consistently. During the growing season, which usually occurs in spring and summer, watering the tree every day or two is recommended. During winter, when growth slows down, reduce watering to once a week, allowing the topsoil to dry out between thorough waterings1.
Nutrient Requirements
Providing your olive bonsai tree with the right nutrients is vital for its development. Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season2. Additionally, choosing the right soil mix is important. Aim for a ratio of 50% akadama, 25% volcanic ash lava rock, and 25% pumice, maintaining a neutral pH level between 6.5 and 7.53.
Providing your olive bonsai tree proper care is vital for its growth and maintenance. By consistently implementing these optimal watering and fertilizing techniques, you can ensure the health and longevity of your tree.
Maintenance and Care
Caring for an olive bonsai tree involves several important steps to ensure the tree thrives and maintains its aesthetic appeal. In this section, we will discuss repotting the olive tree, as well as pest and disease control.
Repotting the Olive Tree
Olive bonsai trees need to be repotted every 2-4 years. When repotting, gently remove the tree from its pot and trim the roots to encourage new growth. Choose a new pot with proper drainage and fill it with a suitable soil mix, making sure the tree is firmly secured in its new pot. Afterwards, water the tree thoroughly to help the roots establish themselves. This keeps the tree healthy and allows for proper development of its intricate root system (Plant Paladin).
Pest and Disease Control
The olive bonsai tree can be susceptible to common pests such as aphids, mites, and scale insects. Keeping the tree in optimal conditions can help prevent pest infestations, while using organic treatments like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or a strong jet of water can help control pests if they appear. Regularly inspecting your tree and the surrounding area will allow you to detect pests early and take appropriate action (Bonsai Gardener).
Additionally, olive bonsai trees can be affected by fungal diseases such as root rot, leaf spot, and olive knot. To keep your tree healthy and disease-free, maintain proper watering practices, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy. Prune the tree regularly, removing any dead or diseased branches and leaves, and clean the surrounding area to prevent the spread of disease. Following these maintenance steps will help preserve the beauty and longevity of your olive bonsai tree (Art of Bonsai).
Seasonal Care
Taking care of an olive bonsai tree requires attention to its specific needs throughout the different seasons. As a bonsai enthusiast, it’s essential to be aware of the tree’s requirements during the winter and summer months.
Winter Care
Olive bonsai trees can withstand temperatures slightly below 0°C / 32°F, but they need protection from heavier frost during winter (Bonsai Empire). It is best to place the tree in a cold greenhouse, which is kept frost-free, ensuring its safety throughout the colder months. Additionally, avoid over-watering the tree during this time, as its growth is much slower, and it will require less water.
Summer Care
During summer, the olive bonsai tree thrives in full sunlight, benefiting from at least six hours of sun each day (ArtOfBonsai.org). Ample sunlight also helps reduce the size of the leaves, promoting a more compact and visually appealing appearance. Make sure to water the tree regularly during this time, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Fertilizing your tree from March to October is recommended, since it is within the growing season (Mistral Bonsai). Use a balanced fertilizer and adjust the frequency as needed to support its growth.
Video Guide
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.