Chinese quince
(Pseudocydonia sinensis)
Country of Origin : China
Bonsai Styles : Informal upright, group, twin trunk
Zone : 5 – 8
Chinese quince is closely related to Chaenomeles japonica (Japanese Quince). Go to Chaenomeles bonsai tree for more details. As opposed to the shrubby Japanese quince, the Chinese quince is much more of a tree.
The large leaves of Pseudocydonia sinensis turn from glossy green to gold, orange, red, and purple in the fall.
During the spring, small pink flowers bloom. These are followed by large, fragrant oval fruits that turn golden-yellow as they ripen.
In thin, irregular patches, its smooth, pale buff bark peels away, revealing shades of orange, pink, and green. This creates a constantly changing pattern in terms of both form and color.
As a result of years of pruning, the branches become heavy, tapered, and gnarled. These heavy branches also help in supporting flowers and fruits.
A bold pattern of contorted branches and decorative bark set off the tree’s striking appearance in winter.
The Chinese quince bonsai tree isn’t the easiest bonsai to maintain.
The small, pink flowers of the Chinese quince bonsai are enough to entice you, but in Japan, this tree is most appreciated for its winter image.
Despite not being an indigenous plant to Japan, Psendocydonia has dominated bonsai culture there rather than in China.
Best location to keep Chinese quince Bonsai
During the growing season, Pseudocydonia sinensis bonsai tree can be kept in full sun.
However, if grown in a small pot, provide it with some shade in hot weather.
An ideal temperature range in summers ranges between 70-85°F (21-29°C).
The plant tolerates light frost, but should not be allowed to freeze. Protect it from frost.
In the event that the temperature falls below 23°F (-5°C), keep the bonsai container in an unheated greenhouse.
The tree needs a dormant period in winter.
Refer sunlight requirements for indoor plants for more indoor gardening ideas. Also, refer to do bonsai trees need sunlight for more indoor and outdoor bonsai location ideas.
Propagation of Chinese quince
Chinese quince tree can be propagated by using softwood cuttings in summer.
It can also be propagated by using stratified seeds sown in early spring.
Watering Chinese quince Bonsai
Make sure the soil around the rootball is watered regularly and generously throughout the growing season.
Give plenty of water, especially at the time when the fruit is swelling. This will prevent fruit dropping.
Reduce the watering frequency in winter. Keep the soil just moist.
Read watering bonsai tree for more details.
Wiring Chinese quince Bonsai
Mid-summer is the best time for wiring the branches of a tree.
New shoots should be wired while they are still flexible, since older branches are likely to be brittle.
The wires can be left on the tree for about an year.
Pruning Chinese quince Bonsai
When to prune Chinese quince bonsai?
How to prune Chinese quince bonsai?
Heavy branch pruning can be done in the months of fall.
Immediately following flowering, new shoots will start emerging.
Allow these shoots to grow until midsummer. Then, prune the tips of these branches so that the growth of secondary (lateral) shoots is promoted.
Don’t remove all the buds on the new shoots because next year’s flowers will emerge from them.
Quince fruits are produced on the old branches that have produced flowers in the current growing season.
Pinching Chinese quince Bonsai
During late summer, pinch out the growing tips of the bonsai tree, as two or three new leaves appear.
Repotting Chinese quince Bonsai
When to repot Chinese quince bonsai?
Chinese quinces bonsai tree can be repotted every other year in fall.
Fall is a good time for root pruning too.
You can use a lime-free and free-draining, bonsai soil mix or Akadama.
OR
You can also use a soil mix consisting of 40% grit and 60% organic matter.
OR
Make your own soil mix by mixing sharp sand, peat (or compost) and loam in the ratio of 1:1:2.
Must Read: Bonsai Soil Recipes
Must read : Choosing the right bonsai container
Feeding Chinese quince Bonsai
In the early summer, apply a general fertilizer and then in the late summer, apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer.
The Chinese quince tree should only be fertilized after it has set its fruit. If done too early, the fruits will drop.
Fertilize every two to three weeks.
Read more about applying fertilizer to bonsai in bonsai fertilizer and its application.
Diseases and pest of Chinese quince Bonsai
Scale insects and aphids are common plant pests that require systemic insecticide treatment if not removed manually.
When repotting the tree, keep an eye out for vine weevil larvae. If you find any, kill them and during late spring, add nematodes to the compost.
Mildew can also pose some issues. Make sure the surrounding environment is hygienic and ventilated.
Chinese quince bonsai care
Chinese quince branches or shoots that are even a year old can be extremely brittle. Therefore, instead of wire training them you should rather prune and regrow to create the desired shape.
The wire should be removed before the shoot is constrained by it as young shoots are very quick to set in position.
Conserve the energy of the tree by removing few fruits from the tree. This will also result in an increase in the size of the remaining fruits.
The most important thing is to establish a strong branch structure before focusing on flowers and fruits. In early spring, hard pruning stimulates vigorous new growth, which should be wire-trained immediately when the shoots are still flexible and not brittle.
As these shoots mature, prune them halfway in mid summer. This will produce lateral shoots, which should be wired immediately too. This practice will give your tree a good branch structure. Only after this, you should move your focus to flowering and fruiting.
What to look for when buying Chinese quince Bonsai
The trunk pattern continues along the branches in bonsai specimens that are recognized as outstanding.
When making a purchase, you should look for a smooth, gently curving trunk line that extends as far as possible into the tip.
Look for a specimen which doesn’t have any scarring on the trunk. The unsightly scar will diminish the look of the bonsai in winter.
The importation of this species is prohibited in some countries, so it may be difficult to find plants.
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