Apples, apple pie, apple sauce, syrup, or juice are favorites of almost everyone. Many people are captivated by apple trees because of their sweet memories of growing up with them.
Indeed, an apple tree’s seasonal variations are fascinating to observe throughout the year.
If you’re reading this article because you love apples, and, of course, bonsai, you’ve definitely come to the right place!
Did You Know?
Miyama kaido (Toringo Crab Apple) is a botanical term for zumi plants. It is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family and the Malus genus. It grows wild throughout Japan’s hilly regions, from Hokkaido to central Honshu. Its green fruit turns lovely red and yellow after bearing single white and rose-pink blooms in April.
Learning more about Miyama kaido, you should know that it produces a lot of fruit and is well-known as a bonsai tree. Because it is susceptible to rootlets and is sometimes pot-bound, it must be transplanted every two years. Another thing is that it prefers wet soil, so it should be given enough water on a regular basis.
Watering it is especially important when the plants are in full bloom and the fruit is ripening.
Plant Growth Care
In the bonsai world, any tree with lovely fruit, like Miyama kaido, also known as Toringo Crab Apple, has always been highly appreciated, with many people loving its vividly colored characteristics. They are best appreciated after the leaves have fallen in December. Also, if properly cared for, they will produce fruit until February. Any tree that maintains its fruit until that time is always admired.
Sunlight
Miyama kaido should be planted in an area with lots of sunlight and airflow. If the conditions allow, you should plant your bonsai tree outside.
One thing you should also remember is to avoid exposing this plant to severe heat or cold because it does not like either. It is a resistant plant, but it needs to be protected from heavy frosts, so bring it inside when the weather becomes cold.
Watering
During the growing season, Miyama kaido requires a lot of water. It is critical that you keep your tree from drying out. During periods when your plant is producing flowers or fruit, it will require more water.
You must keep this in mind for the reason that our plant will not hold on to its flowers or fruit if you do not provide it with enough water.
Apples need more alkaline or neutral water and soil, so avoid using highly acidic water.
Fertilizing
Treating your plants with organic fertilizer at least once a month is advisable. A liquid fertilizer can be used as well, but it must be applied more frequently—once every three weeks is recommended.
Pruning
In the spring, when the growth process is expected to begin, the tree will give way to the leaves, and the flowers will bloom early. This progression will last until mid-spring. Then, late in the spring, the blossoms will begin to fade.
An apple is expected to grow where each bloom was. This could indicate that the tree will be loaded with apples. These apples will begin to grow in late spring and will continue to flourish throughout the summer. The tree will devote a lot of its energy to producing apples, which may be too much for it. It is therefore recommended to thin out the number of apples during the course of the year by cutting them off at the stalk, so that only a few apples remain by the end of the year, which should then be removed totally by autumn.
Throughout the growing season, the tree will produce new shoots. You will have to cut these back to the first two new leaves once they’ve grown a little.
Partial defoliation is a suitable option for crab apples. This basically entails removing a section of the leaves on a regular basis throughout the growth season. When doing this, trim larger-than-average leaves and leave the stalk behind.
Gradually, a new leaf will emerge, probably smaller than the preceding one. You will also be enabling light into the tree’s center, which will stimulate buds to grow there.
If desired, wiring can be used to form it.
Repotting
Every year in the spring, you will have to repot your Miyama kaido bonsai. Just once every two or three years should suffice, then after a few years, you can stop repotting your plant already. Pruning the roots and using a slightly larger pot than the original is the proper way of doing it.
Pest and Diseases
Like all other members of the apple family, this plant is also susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Pests like scale, aphids, mealybugs, and caterpillars can damage it. What you can do when you find them is simply remove them by hand, but you can also use insecticides to keep them away.
Aside from that, when it comes to disease, you should keep an eye out for fungus such as rust and mildew. Another typical issue is canker. To prevent this, you can apply a copper fungicide, but it is much easier most of the time to keep your plants healthy by following proper watering and ventilation practices.
This Perfect Bonsai is for You!
Miyama kaido bonsai trees are one of the most beautiful and fruitful trees around. Pink in the bud, white blooms in the spring, and red crab apples in the autumn, which can even be collected for seeds! When pruned to an umbrella shape, this little multi stem tree makes the perfect garden tree. These are hardy deciduous trees that thrive in a variety of environments, just like you!
It is the perfect time to find other plant and bonsai enthusiasts in your community to discover more techniques and tips. Sign up for a session at your local botanical garden or nursery. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people while also learning about a new interest. You can also visit our shop for well-cultivated bonsai and the most appropriate tools!