The Corokia cotoneaster, better known as the Wire-netting bush or Zig-zag plant, is a New Zealand native that gets its name from its funky, angular branches. Because it’s a slow grower and adapts well to both indoor and outdoor life, it’s a total dream for anyone looking to try their hand at bonsai.
Everything You Need to Know About the Zig-Zag Plant
Hailing from the rugged landscapes of New Zealand, this plant is a real showstopper thanks to its unique, zig-zagging stems. It’s super low-maintenance and works just as well in your living room as it does in the garden. Starting in April, you’ll see tiny yellow flowers popping out from the leaf joints, followed by decorative red berries in the fall (just a heads-up: they look cool, but they aren’t edible!). One important thing to remember: this little guy is not a fan of frost. When winter rolls around, you’ll need to bring it inside to a bright, frost-free spot.
Because it’s so easygoing, the Zig-zag plant is a fantastic choice for bonsai. Even though the foliage is a bit sparse, the structure is fascinating because the branches change direction at every single leaf node. This means you rarely have to deal with wiring unless you’re going for a specific look, like a dramatic cascade.
Caring for Your Zig-Zag Bonsai
Its slow growth rate and the fact that it handles pruning like a champ make it a perfect “starter tree” for bonsai beginners. Since the branches naturally grow in that cool zig-zag pattern, you can style it in all sorts of ways:
- A classic globe shape with a thick, sturdy trunk
- A “forest” style or shrub-like group planting
- An upright bush
- The “Cascade” style (flowing downward)
- The “Umbrella” style
You can achieve any of these looks with a little trimming and occasional wiring. Just keep in mind that since it isn’t winter-hardy, your bonsai needs a bright, chilly (but not freezing) room to hibernate in during the winter months.
Pruning Tips
You really only need to prune your Zig-zag plant when the shoots get a bit too long or start messing with the shape you’re going for. Just grab a sharp pair of shears and snip away—you can do this any time of year! When you repot the plant (usually every year at first, then every two to three years as it matures), make sure to give the roots a little trim as well.
Watering and Feeding
When it comes to water, less is usually more. Only water your plant once the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. If you overwater, the leaves will start to drop; if the roots sit in standing water, they’ll rot and the plant won’t make it. Always make sure to empty any excess water from the saucer.
For fertilizer, use a specialized bonsai food every two weeks leading up to the blooming season (April to June). Take a break while it’s actually flowering—if you fertilize then, the plant might drop its blossoms prematurely. Once the flowers are gone, you can resume feeding until the end of September. Once fall hits, let the plant rest and stop fertilizing until spring.