A medium sized deciduous tree, Robinia pseudo acacia also called Robinia pseudo acacia, are grown as beautiful bonsai trees for decoration and other purposes. Robinia pseudo acacia tree is also called black locust in its native region of Asia, Africa, and North America. It is also referred to as false acacia, commonly.
How long does it take to grow Robinia pseudoacacia Bonsai?
The origin of plants and trees bears an enticing trail of facts and narratives that unravels equally interesting biological lineage. Similarly, Robinia pseudo acacia is a well known tree species which are classified under the Faboideae, belonging to the legumes family of plants like bean and pea. Having leaves like feathers, the origin of Robinia pseudo acacia can be traced to mimosa family of plants also. The wood of the adult tree is in pale yellow color and hard and grows in close contact with the ground, found in green pastures.
Called false acacia, Robinia pseudo acacia can be turned into a stunning bonsai tree. As an art or passion, cultivating bonsai is viewed as the finest practices in plantation. Growing Robinia pseudo acacia bonsai trees has its own benefits. Not only the bonsai tree form of Robinia pseudo acacia depict a pleasing sight but also, they are perfect tropical greens to plant in and around the home. Unlike what is commonly believed, cultivating Robinia pseudo acacia bonsai trees is easy, however, is a time taking process.
Robinia pseudo acacia Bonsai trees can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Being a tropical false acacia is perfect for outdoor cultivation. Normally, when this species is converted to bonsai, it can take several years to grow. While a full fledged tree takes twenty years to grow into an adult. The bonsai trees take 5-10 years to emerge in their full form.
How to Plant and Grow Robinia pseudo acacia Bonsai
Growing bonsai of this species takes care and expertise. When grown, this species has reddish black bark and reddish orange grooves. The branches grow into zig-zag form, giving the trees a fuller appearance. The leaf structure is compound and has several leaflets which are lined up straight facing each other.
This species was identified in the early 16th century and was introduced by 1636. It is often tagged as an invasive species of trees in Northern America. Since it starts covering the areas of the savannah rapidly, Robinia pseudo acacia spread very quickly. Their growth pattern also helps them sustain in open landscapes. Robinia pseudo acacia grow best in full sunlight, dry soil and don’t require much shade.
The color of the leaves turns yellow by fall, although it remains bright green during peak growing cycles. Robinia pseudo acacia trees are flower bearing species, and the flowerings open as droopy clumps during the summers. Robinia pseudo acacia bonsai trees should be planted in a bonsai planter in open space, preferably, as the tree demands sunlight for healthy and voluminous growth. Susceptible to fungi attack, it is advisable to mix antifungal bonsai tree medicine into the soil before planting the seeds.
This species also bears fruits, which are classified as legumes, owing to its biological lineage. The shape of the tree fruit is similar to what a bean looks like and an opening with seeds inside. The miniature form of Robinia pseudo acacia passes through the similar cycles and patterns of growth, as a mature tree.
Every bonsai tree requires careful and periodic pruning before it grows into full scale. After planting the seeds of Robinia, when the tree starts branching out, root out to plant the tree in a bonsai planter. Once you have secured the planting, then apply a pruning technique to balance the look of the tree. Pruning will give a finished look to the tree and also remove unwanted branches and twigs. You must have seen bonsai with twisted branches or trunk. It gives the bonsai an mythical look and also helps in containing the growth of branches. Wiring can be done using aluminum or copper wiring. With wiring, you can cover the branches and twist them into interesting shapes for a more mystical appearance. Once the branch grows thick with time, the wires can be removed from the branches.
How to Care for Your Robinia Pseudo Acacia Bonsai
The appearance of the bonsai of this species of tree is elegant as it is capable of bearing beautiful white flowers and bean-like fruits. Periodic pruning and cutting helps the bonsai tree grow in its full glory with less droopy appearance.
Robinia pseudo acacia is a tropical species and grows in dry soil quickly with the help of sunlight. An adult tree grows taller, branches out and becomes sturdy with each cycle. Similarly, the bonsai of the tree also requires sunlight to grow faster. The soil doesn’t require too much moisture, hence watering the bonsai occasionally will work in its favor. The bonsai may develop branches that will grow at equal height and can often come out together. In this case, remove one branch and keep the other branch. Prune the bonsai every once in a while and give it your desired shape.
Over-watering the bonsai can interrupt the soil balance with its growth. Bonsai of Robinia pseudo acacia are delicate and should not be treated like other house plants. Hence, watering should be carefully done. It is better to water the soil when it starts appearing dry and is not too moist- this can have a negative impact on the roots. Choose a fertilizer that is suitable for tropical species. The fertilizer for bonsai should be granular in nature. As Robinia pseudo acacia are tropical and grow in full sun with dry soil, the need for fully moist fertilizer is not recommended.
Repotting the Robinia Pseudo Acacia Bonsai
The time taken for a bonsai to grow into full varies as per the species selected. When bonsais are planted, it should be kept in mind that they are delicate. From seed planting to pruning and potting, bonsai must be handled with care and expertise. Robinia pseudo acacia require less frequent watering and potting, thus you can follow standard techniques of bonsai keeping for this type.
Generally, the Robinia pseudo acacia bonsai in its young phase should be repotted every two years. The soil mix to be used for repotting should be basic with an added amount of anti fungal plant medicine mixed. The mature bonsai can be repotted every five years with no extra effort. The best time for repotting is spring, however, if you feel that roots are over exposed and look distracted from soil, plan a basic repotting procedure.
Choosing the right pot for repotting is also significant enough for letting your bonsai achieve healthy growth. There are all types of planters for bonsai available. Some are made with cement, plastic or ceramics. For potting a ceramic or porcelain pot is mostly chosen, as it doesn’t hold water. It is better to have an idea of the roots that will spread inside the bonsai planter. Giving your bonsai enough space to expand itself in the pot helps to maintain good health and also enhances its overall appearance. Considering the shape of false acacia, you can select a square shaped bonsai planter. If you have reared the dream of making your own bonsai collection, then choosing a custom-made planter will add up.
Weather protection
Believed to be the native to North America, false acacia are sturdy growing trees. They can face harsh weather with ease and still emerge in glory. However, this species of bonsai is susceptible to frost. Temperature below -10c can affect the growth – also strong winds can damage the branches. Good protection of the bonsai is needed, when it is placed outside. To ensure that plant remains safe, create a makeshift shade during colder nights. Keep the bonsai dry using a light weighted plant cover cloth, if required.
In general, this tree species doesn’t attract many types of plant diseases. Full exposure to sun is enough for the bonsai to become healthy. Not merely this, especially for this species, sunlight exposure keeps the roots strong and disease-free. Give the bonsai tree lots of sunlight and watch them mature at a fast pace.
Conclusion
Choosing a bonsai that matches your environment is the first step to creating your own bonsai at home. Weather changes are common, although tropical and subtropical species like false acacia or Robinia pseudo acacia do require a good amount of exposure to sunlight. They are the most trouble-free species to be chosen for making bonsai.
By simply choosing a right sized planter, fertilizer and planting process, you can easily grow Robinia pseudo acacia bonsai, at your own pace. Bonsai growing is a process which requires constant patience and perseverance. Since, unlike small plants, bonsai will take time to grow and a good amount of monitoring. With Robinia pseudo acacia, you will sweat less and can experience the fruition of your hard work sooner than any other species.