Kawista / Java cola
(Feroniella lucida)
Country of Origin : Thailand
Bonsai Styles : Informal upright, slanting, semi-cascade, cascade, clump
Zone : 8 – 9
As it lives for a very long time, Feroniella lucida is sometimes called a “long-life tree” in Thailand.
The tree grows very tall in nature and produces apple-like, edible fruit that has hard brown shells when mature. Which is why sometimes this tree is also called wood apple tree.
This tree has oval-shaped, tiny, feathery, glossy, bright medium green leaves. And the leaf axis generally produces a thorn. The tree bears clusters of light yellow colored flowers as well. The canopy of the tree has a natural spherically spreading habit.
Feroniella lucida can be used to make a delightful indoor bonsai tree, especially due to its small leaves and rough bark. It is especially the rough bark that gives the bonsai tree a look of age. However, it is important to note that when grown in a container, this tree grows very slowly.
Read more about other bonsai trees species in : Types of bonsai tree
Best location to keep Feroniella lucida bonsai tree
Feroniella lucida bonsai can be kept indoors throughout the year. Keep the bonsai in a location with bright light (not direct sunlight – perfectly well suited for partial shade) (preferably west facing windows) and ensure that there is a humidity of at least 50%. Please read how to grow indoor bonsai using grow lights.
A recommended temperature range for Feroniella bonsai in summer is 64°F to 72°F (18°C to 22°C).
Keep the surrounding area well ventilated, or else the bonsai will shed its leaves. Furthermore, the bonsai will also shed its leaves if the temperature gets too cold. Nevertheless, once you make the right adjustments to the positioning, the leaves will start growing back.
In spring and summer, Feroniella bonsai can be kept outdoors in a slightly shady location.
Click here to read our detailed guide to indoor bonsai tree care.
IMP: Refer to do bonsai trees need sunlight for more indoor and outdoor bonsai location ideas. Also, refer sunlight requirements for indoor plants for more indoor gardening ideas.
Propagation of Feroniella lucida bonsai tree
Feroniella can be propagated through seeds and cuttings.
While using stem cutting, plant a hardwood cutting in summer.
Watering Feroniella lucida bonsai tree
This plant is not very water hungry. In fact is fairly drought-tolerant. However, when grown in a container, maintain a decent watering routine. Water the bonsai only when the soil has slightly dried out.
It is also recommended that you water this bonsai using immersion technique.
Do not over water this tree as it is not tolerant to overwatering. Never allow it to stand in water.
Read watering bonsai tree (for immersion technique) and indoor bonsai tree care for more details.
Wiring Feroniella lucida bonsai tree
Feroniella bonsai can be wired at any time when the branches are long enough and have become slightly woody.
Read : Detailed guide on How to wire a bonsai. This extensive guide includes all the wiring techniques and Do’s and Dont’s. It will also show you other bonsai training techniques which can be achieved without using wires.
Pruning Feroniella lucida bonsai tree
When to prune Feroniella lucida bonsai tree?
How to prune Feroniella lucida bonsai tree?
Spring is the most appropriate time for pruning, as the bonsai is growing well at that time of year.
Prune back the new shoots to 2-3 leaves after they have elongated enough and produced approximately 10 leaves.
All small shoots that grow directly on the trunk or on the lower parts of the branches should be pruned.
Read how to prune a bonsai to know about the right technique of pruning and more about defoliating a bonsai tree.
Repotting Feroniella lucida bonsai tree
When to repot Feroniella lucida bonsai tree?
Repot the Feroniella bonsai every 2 years. This depends on the development of the root ball. Repot it in spring with moderate root pruning.
Use a free-draining bonsai soil mix that is slightly sandy.
You can also make a bonsai soil mix by mixing loam, sand and peat moss (1:1:1).
Please check out how to repot a bonsai to know everything about repotting and root pruning a bonsai.
Must Read: Bonsai Soil Recipes
Must read : Choosing the right bonsai container
Feeding Feroniella lucida bonsai tree
Feed with liquid fertilizer from early spring through summer every 3-4 weeks. A balanced feed should be good enough.
During the winter, feed with liquid fertilizer every six weeks if the plant is in a bright, warm place.
Read more about bonsai fertilizer and its application. This will also give you more details on how to feed flowering bonsai trees.
Diseases and pest of Feroniella lucida bonsai tree
This plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases. It will only face problems if it is not taken care of properly. For example, lack of air circulation and excessive watering will cause fungal diseases.
Please make sure you read our comprehensive guide: How to identify and treat bonsai pests and diseases is a great resource for you to see all the organic and inorganic remedies you can use.
