With its gorgeous, structural green leaves, eucalyptus isn’t just a favorite for the backyard. It also makes a fantastic candidate for bonsai! With a few pro tips, you can cultivate your very own miniature version of this aromatic beauty. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
Cultivating and Shaping Your Eucalyptus Bonsai
Because eucalyptus is such a vigorous grower, turning one into a bonsai can keep you pretty busy. To make your life easier, I recommend choosing a variety that isn’t quite so aggressive. *Eucalyptus gunnii* (Cider Gum) is your best bet here; it usually only grows about 15 inches a year. To get that classic bonsai look, you’ll need to take a larger specimen and prune it down to size.
Here’s your game plan:
- Trim the plant down to about 20 inches.
- Shorten the main trunk, leaving just a few side branches.
- Prune the root ball, keeping only a few strong, healthy roots.
- Replant it in a small bonsai pot.
- Use bonsai wire to gently train the branches into your desired shape.
- Water regularly and feed it with a specialized bonsai fertilizer.
Next up, you’ll need to find the perfect spot. These guys love warmth and plenty of sunlight, so a bright windowsill at room temperature is ideal. You can keep your tree indoors during the winter, but once the summer heat hits, it’ll love a vacation out on the balcony or in the garden. Fun fact: *Eucalyptus gunnii* is actually quite hardy, so a bonsai of this variety can handle a little bit of a chill.
Maintenance, Feeding, and Shaping
Bonsai trees are like little works of art—they need regular, expert care to stay looking their best. First, consistent pruning is key. You’ll want to trim back new growth frequently to maintain that beautiful shape and keep it from getting too tall. Every three years, give your bonsai a new home in a slightly larger pot so the roots have room to breathe. You can trim the roots during repotting if needed, just be careful not to damage the main, thick structural roots.
Even as a bonsai, eucalyptus is sensitive to overwatering. If the soil stays soggy, those lovely green leaves will turn brown, wither, and drop off. When it’s time to water, try to use soft water—filtered water or collected rainwater works wonders. During the active growing season, give it a boost with fertilizer once a week, but be careful not to overdo it!
