Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai, commonly known as blue jacaranda, is one of the most aesthetically pleasing bonsai. It is also known by other names like jacaranda, black poui, and fern tree. It is known for its attractive and long lasting purple- violet colored flowers. The flowers are large bell shaped. Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai is native to the south central South American region. However, the bonsai can be easily cultivated in all those parts of the world where there is no frost. It is a sub- tropical tree.
Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai has a fern like lacy foliage. The leaves of the bonsai can grow up to 20 inches in length. It is a semi- evergreen or deciduous tree, mainly depending on the climate of its surroundings.
A mature Jacaranda mimosifolia tree can grow up to a height of 25 – 50 feet and 15 – 30 feet wide. However, the bonsai will grow to a maximum height of 1.5 metres. It is apt for USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. The branches of the Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai are arched and form a canopy. The bonsai has thin branches growing in a zigzag pattern.Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai has a greyish brown colored trunk which is scaly.
Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai are moderately tolerant towards drought. The blooming period of the Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai is spring when the tree gets covered with purple- blue colored drooping flowers. Most bonsai drop leaves before the opening of the buds and the flowers usually last for around 2 months.
If the Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai is kept indoors throughout the year and it does not receive regular sunlight, it will not bloom. The bonsai might also drop its leaves if it doesn’t get enough sunlight during winters. However, the leaves will grow again in spring when the plant gets abundant light. So, to be precise, it is important for you to keep your bonsai at a location apt for growing and blooming.
In this article, I will further talk about the climatic requirements, soil, watering and feeding needs of the Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai.
How Long Does it Take to Grow Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai?
Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai takes a long time to grow from seedlings to a tree. However, the process is rewarding as once established, your bonsai will bloom its purple colored flowers. For the bonsai to bloom well, certain climatic conditions and environmental requirements have to be met. Given below are the ideal conditions for growing Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai.
Position and Lighting
Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai requires full sun. find a location where sunlight comes for around 6 – 8 hours a day. These bonsai can also grow in light shade but full sun is good for a good bloom. If you want your bonsai to bloom with beautiful purple flowers, place it in a well lit location outside. In warmer climates where the plant can get ample sunlight, it can bloom anytime. Make sure to bring your bonsai inside at times of frost as it is intolerant of frost.
Temperature
Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai grows well in warm climates. They prefer a temperature above 15 degrees Celsius or 59 degrees Fahrenheit. However, once established, some Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a cold place where temperatures are low all round the year, planting a Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai might not be a good option for you.
Soil
Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai prefers well draining soil. The soil must be enriched with organic nutrients. They grow well in moderately sandy soil. Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai prefers acidic soil so the pH of the soil you use should be lower than 7. The bonsai can also grow in clay or loamy soil. However, any soil that stays wet or is heavy is not a good choice for planting Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai. So make sure you choose a slightly acidic soil with good draining capacities.
Watering Requirements
Watering should be consistent during the growing season. Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai should be watered when the top 3 inches of the bonsai soil feels dry. This bonsai prefers moisture so you should also provide them with additional water during the warm periods experiencing high heat or dryness.
Fertilizer
The bonsai can be feeded once a week during the growing season. Half diluted balanced fertilizer can be used to feed the bonsai. Fertilizing should be stopped when the bonsai starts dropping leaves. However, you should feed the plant well in early spring to give it a boost for blooming.
How to Plant and Grow Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai?
Planting and growing Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai is not a complex task. You can plant this bonsai by yourself by following the right steps. After propagating the bonsai, you will also have to take care of pruning, wiring and repotting the plant. The steps for propagating, pruning, wiring and repotting are explained below.
Propagation
To propagate Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai from seeds, you need to soak the seeds for at least a day. After soaking, place the seeds in a container having soil and cover them with a thunk layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist and the seeds will start germinating in around 2 weeks. The bonsai can also be propagated from softwood cuttings.
Pruning
Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai requires frequent pruning because of their vigorous growth. Prune the extra growth to maintain the desired shape of the bonsai. The new growth can be trimmed at any time. You can prune new shoots to 1 to 2 pairs when at least 4 or 5 pairs grow.
However, pruning should be done more during spring before the opening of buds.
Pruning is essential as cutting the large leaves will lead to growth of more branches with smaller leaves which will give your bonsai a better look.
Wiring
Wiring is not essential for most Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai as the branches already grow in a zigzag pattern. However, if you feel that any branch needs reshaping, you can wire it once it starts becoming woody. You can use aluminium or copper wire for this purpose. However, you must remove the wire within 3 months to ensure that the wire does not cut the branch.
Repotting
Re- potting of Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai should be done every 2 years. Re- potting should be accompanied by root pruning. It should ideally be done in spring season. While re- potting you should change the soil and prune the thick old roots. You should not prune more than two thirds of the root ball. Never trim the fine feeder roots as they are responsible for feeding the tree. Watering should be done well after repotting as the new soil requires more moisture to provide the bonsai with the nutrients. After repotting, you should leave your bonsai in light shade and give it time to recover fully.
How to Care for Your Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai?
Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai is not a very demanding plant so caring for this bonsai is an easy task. You just need to ensure that your bonsai is getting good sunlight, water, fertilizers and is planted in the ideal soil.
Make sure that you don’t overfeed or over water the plant as it can lead to various problems and at times it can even kill the plant. However, adequate amounts of water, light and feeding will ensure that your bonsai rewards you with pretty violet flowers in the spring. Place your bonsai in a well lit location getting at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. Remember to take your bonsai inside during winters as Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai is intolerant of colder climates. Find a bright sunny spot inside to keep your bonsai at during winters.
Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai also requires pruning and repotting regularly. Pruning should be done frequently as Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai is a vigorously growing plant. Re- potting should also be done every 2 years as the roots of your bonsai will be long enough to be pruned. Make sure you do root pruning well but do not prune too many roots. Only cut the old roots and not the new feeder roots. Also, cutting more older roots will lead to the growth of new feeder roots that are beneficial for the plant.
Remember that the golden rule to get a healthy bonsai is to keep it warm, moist and away from frost!
Pests and Diseases
Jacaranda mimosifolia Bonsai is resistant to attacks by pests; however, at times, it can be attacked by scales and aphids. To save your bonsai from such attacks, spray insecticides on your plant. Prefer sign insecticides with oil content.
Overwatering the bonsai or using a soil that remains waterlogged can cause root rot or mushroom root rot. Under watering can lead to chlorosis as in the case of lack of water, the plant will not be able to produce enough chlorophyll. Overwatering or under watering can also lead the plant to drop its leaves. Thus, to prevent your bonsai from these problems, it is very important to provide it with adequate amounts of water.