Japan pepper
(Zanthoxylum piperitum)
Country of Origin : Japan and China
Bonsai Styles : Informal upright
Zone : 7 – 10
Japan pepper tree (semi evergreen) is not only the source of ‘Sichuan peppercorns’ but can also be used to make a beautiful indoor bonsai tree.
Despite being introduced to the West relatively recently as a bonsai, it is becoming more popular as an indoor bonsai specimen.
During the fall season, its glossy, dark green, pinnate leaves turn yellow. Also, greenish-yellow flowers appear early in the summer, followed by tiny red berries.
The bark is fissured and aromatic. It has a zesty and fresh fragrance with a hint of sweet aroma.
It has small green and lush leaves, which give the foliage a very full appearance. The dense canopy makes the plant mimic the appearance of a fully grown tree. This makes it a good candidate for an informal upright bonsai style.
This tree is one of the strongest aromatic shrub.
Best location to keep Japan pepper bonsai
Japanese pepper tree is a hardy in temperate areas (zone 7 – zone 10).
Japanese pepper bonsai tree does well in indoor settings. However, it is always a good idea to keep it outdoors in full sun during the summer.
However, it goes without saying that you should not expose this tree to harsh direct sunlight of a hot summer.
A good temperature range for these trees is 40-70°F (4-21°C).
As stated earlier, it makes a good indoor bonsai tree. Hence, you can keep the bonsai pot indoors in a location where there is ample of sunlight. For example a windowsill or below a sun roof.
It will survive in shade, but the growth of the tree will be very slow.
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 Japan pepper tree
This tree can be propagated easily by sowing seeds in fall.
It can also be propagated by using stem and root cuttings.
Watering Japan pepper Bonsai
Maintain consistent watering throughout the growing season for your Japanese pepper bonsai. However, check the soil. If the soil is damp or cool, then you can skip watering for that day.
However, maintain just a slight moisture level in the compost during the winter.
The bonsai will die if the bonsai soil dries out completely.
It is advisable to spray mist on the bonsai in case the indoor atmospheres is dry.
Read watering bonsai tree for more details about immersion technique.
Wiring Japan pepper Bonsai
Since the branches of the Japanese pepper tree are very stiff, the bonsai is not a suitable candidate for conventional wiring methods.
However, you can still do slight wire training of the bonsai by using guy wire at any time of the year.
The wires must be left on the tree for at least a period of 10-12 months for the branches to be trained.
Pruning Japan pepper Bonsai
When to prune Japan pepper bonsai?
How to prune Japan pepper bonsai?
Pruning can be done at any time during the growing season. Prune back the new growth.
The branches must be pruned hard only if you wish to restructure the branch system.
Pinching Japan pepper Bonsai
When two to three sets of compound leaves have sprouted, pinch out the growing tips.
Repotting Japan pepper Bonsai
When to repot Japanese pepper bonsai?
Repotting of japanese pepper bonsai tree can be done every second year.
Just before the new leaves emerge, mid-spring is the best time for repotting.
Their root system grows rapidly, so root prune them every summer to prevent them from becoming pot bound.
You can use a moisture retentive , loamy bonsai soil mix as a potting soil.
Or, make a bonsai soil mix with 30% grit and 70% organic matter.
You can also make a mix with leaf mold, loam and sharp sand in the ratio of 1:1:1.
Must Read: Bonsai Soil Recipes
Must read : Choosing the right bonsai container
Feeding Japan pepper Bonsai
The plant should be fertilized with a high-nitrogen fertilizer in the spring when it starts to grow.
Once a month, in the summer and autumn, apply a general fertilizer.
Read more about applying feed to flowering bonsai in bonsai fertilizer and its application.
Diseases and pest of Japan pepper Bonsai
Mostly this tree is free from diseases. However, sometimes an infestation of spider-mites, scales and aphids can occur.
You can remove the aphids manually or by a jet of water. Or you can also use a systemic insecticide if the infestation persists.
Japan pepper bonsai care
This is an extremely easy shrub to grow. Japanese pepper bonsai tree can also be grown in shade. However, the growth of the tee will be slow.
The tree growing on the ground can sustain a temperature as low as 5°F (-15°C). However, when grown in a container, avoid exposing it to freezing temperatures for a prolonged period.
Keep pepper tree bonsai well hydrated as they are thirsty bonsai.
What to look for when buying Japan pepper Bonsai
Usually, this tree is only grown in informal upright style, hence there is not a lot of things to look for while making a purchase.
However, due to the nature of dense canopy and foliage, its always a good idea to check the inner sections of the tree.
Also, look for any unsightly mark of pruning on the trunk of the bonsai tree.
Just make sure that the bonsai soil is free draining and the roots are healthy and firmly holding to the soil in the bonsai container.
