The use of oak for bonsai is underrated. Its small leaves (in some species), tendency to form massive trunks, and rough texture of the bark create the impression of a huge old tree in miniature. However, the oak species that are most suitable for bonsai are not native to Japan, which is why oak is not a traditional bonsai tree.
The genus includes about 600 species that grow in the northern hemisphere. Oaks are deciduous and evergreen. Evergreen plants are found in tropical regions. Oak wood is dense and durable, widely used in construction and furniture making.
Almost all types of oak can be grown into good bonsai, but there are two that are particularly suitable. The first is the cork oak (Quercus Suber). The bark of this tree has been used for hundreds of years to make wine bottle stoppers. This oak tree grows a trunk that is quite large and has a thick layer of bark. When applying the wire, you need to be careful, as it is easy to damage the fragile bark. You should also be careful when replanting the cork oak and try not to damage the roots.
Another Mediterranean oak is the holm oak (Quercus llex). This evergreen tree grows in the Atlas Mountains of North Africa, along with the Atlas cedar.
Three other species that are excellent for bonsai are native to California: Quercus Agrifolia, Quercus Chrysolepis, and Quercus Berberifolia. All are evergreen and respond well to wiring and root pruning.
Soil:
Not picky about substrate. Use soil from the oak's natural habitat.
Lighting:
Place in full sun in a well-ventilated area. Branches in the shade tend to die off.
Temperature:
Moderate in summer, protect oak from frosts below -5° C in winter.
Watering:
Moderate in summer, sparse in winter. Do not allow the soil to dry out.
Top dressing:
During active growth, feed with organic fertilizers once every two to three weeks.
Formation:
When forming oak, the most suitable are:vertical and inclined styles, also used in small and largegroup plantings.
When applying the wire, be careful not to let it cut into the bark.
Large branches are pruned in spring before the sap starts to circulate, small shoots - all year round. Radical pruning stimulates active growth of young shoots.
Replant oak trees every two years before the growing season begins.
Purchasing a plant:
In specialized stores or by order. You can takebonsai in nature, or grow from an acorn. Reproduction in summercuttings.
Pests and diseases:
With insufficient ventilation, it is prone to fungus. It is susceptible to damage.aphids and bark beetles.
