April: Prepare your bonsai !

April is a pivotal time for tree care, marked by the resumption of growth and the awakening of nature. Here are some specific tips to ensure the well-being of your trees during this spring month.

Care to be taken in April

Repotting

If repotting was not carried out in March, April remains a favorable time for this operation, especially for deciduous trees. Repotting allows you to renew the substrate and promote healthy root development. Ensure that the tree is healthy before proceeding and choose a substrate suitable for the species concerned. After repotting, water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets and facilitate rooting. For a detailed guide on repotting, see the following article :

--> How and when should I repot my bonsai ?

Size and pinch

As growth resumes, it's important to control branch and leaf development. Pinching out new shoots encourages branching and maintains the desired tree shape. For example, for Japanese maples, pinch out new shoots, leaving only two pairs of leaves to encourage compact growth.

Pinching out new shoots : On pine trees, the candles (young, elongated shoots) are beginning to appear. You shouldn't cut them back yet, but you can start pinching them gently if they're too vigorous, to balance growth between different areas of the tree. The real pinching is usually done in May/June, but observation begins now.

In the nursery, we are working at this time in particular on Japanese white pines (Pinus parviflora) see video below :

Spring is also a good time for tying, as branches are more flexible due to increased sap flow. Proceed with caution to avoid damaging new shoots and regularly monitor the ties to prevent them from becoming embedded in the bark due to rapid growth.

Common mistakes in spring and how to avoid them

Spring marks a decisive phase in the bonsai life cycle. After winter dormancy, trees resume growth, opening an ideal window for numerous maintenance tasks. But this pivotal period can also be a source of mistakes that weaken trees. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid to ensure a harmonious season for your bonsai.

1. Inappropriate watering

• Common mistake: Watering too often, or conversely, not enough.
• Consequences: Overwatering causes root asphyxiation and can lead to root rot. Conversely, overly dry soil dehydrates the tree and stunts its growth.
• Good practice: Always check the soil moisture before watering. Insert a finger a centimeter deep: if it's dry, it's time to water. Also, make sure the pot has effective drainage holes.

Even if it rains, don't assume the tree has been watered enough: some rain is too light to penetrate to the roots. Manual monitoring is still essential.

2. Inadequate exposure

• Common mistake: Overprotecting trees from wind, rain, or sun.
• Consequences: Insufficient exposure slows photosynthesis, weakens the tree, and hinders its growth.
• Good habit: In spring, most trees need plenty of sunlight. Let them enjoy the outdoors, avoid sheltering them. Wind and natural rain are beneficial: they clean the foliage and promote the tree's vigor.

For indoor bonsai, such as Ficus or Zamia, you can start bringing them outside in good weather. Bring them inside at night if the temperatures remain cool (below 5 degrees).

3. Incorrectly dosed fertilization

• Common mistake: Applying fertilizer too early, too strongly, or with the wrong fertilizer.
• Consequences: Overfertilization can burn the roots or disrupt the tree's natural recovery.
• Good practice: Let the tree recover without rushing it. In nurseries, we often start without fertilizer, especially for recently repotted trees. However, for unpotted trees that need to maintain their vigor and shape, gentle fertilization can be started early.

4. Poorly timed or poorly executed repotting

• Common mistake: Repotting too late or too aggressively.
• Consequences: If repotting occurs during the growth phase, the tree can experience significant stress or even stop growing.
• Good practice: The ideal time is just before bud break, when the buds are swollen but not yet open. Use a well-draining substrate, suitable for the species, and handle the roots carefully to avoid disturbing the root system.

5. Neglecting pests and diseases

• Common mistake: Not regularly inspecting leaves, branches, and roots.
• Consequences: Early infestations (mealybugs, aphids, mites) can develop rapidly in the spring and compromise the tree's health.
• Good habit: Inspect your trees at least once a week. Watch for changes in color, foliage deformation, or sticky marks. Act quickly with appropriate treatments (organic or conventional, depending on your approach).

Our nursery news

The whole team worked hard to plant the nursery's future bonsai!

This year, the weather wasn't exactly helpful: it rained a lot, which delayed things a bit. But we were finally able to get started! We had to plant quickly before the rain returned... so we didn't hold back!

Our new products of the month

Our Wisterias for Sale : Wisterias are very vigorous and offer superb, fragrant blooms. Their distinctive climbing and woody form appeals to many bonsai enthusiasts.

The Chinese Lilac "Syringa Red Pixie" is a shrub with a very compact, bushy habit appreciated for its abundant, fragrant blooms. It is a highly decorative bonsai plant that blooms throughout most of the year: a first bloom appears from April to May, followed by a second between October and December. Easy to care for, it requires a sunny location and regular, but not excessive, watering. Its naturally elegant shape and flowering make it an ideal choice for lovers of flowering bonsai.

Azaleas : Azalea bonsai are in the spotlight this month. Known for their generous spring blooms, they add a colorful touch to any collection. They require a little care, but they remain accessible to both amateurs and enthusiasts.

Also discover the recovery of our maple and deciduous trees !

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