Kangaroo vine bonsai care

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Kangaroo vine (aka kangaroo ivy, water vine, Australian vine and wild grape) is an evergreen climbing shrub.

It is a fast growing plant with a nice branching habit.

The plant has pointed-oval, shiny, serrated leaves that are copper colored when young and light green in color when mature. The foliage forms a dense cover of leaves on the tree.

This tree produces flowers. However, it is highly unlikely to bloom when grown as a bonsai tree. It can reach seven feet (210 cm) or more in a large pot but by pinching out the growing tips and using a smaller pot it will grow to only half that size.

It is an easy to grow plant and makes for a great indoor bonsai tree.

Read more about other pine tree bonsai in : Type of bonsai trees .

Best location to keep Kangaroo vine Bonsai

The plant is very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperature variations, so it is equally suited to warm or cool climates.

It can be kept indoors throughout the year. Both partially shaded and bright locations are suitable for the growth of the plant.

A temperature range of 59°F – 77°F (15°C – 25°C) is good.

When keeping it indoors, keep the bonsai container in any west, north or east facing window or windowsill. However, a south facing window will be too bright for the bonsai. So avoid that direction.

Make sure not to expose the bonsai to very warm location or keep it near central heating system. The plant will drop its leaves.

IMP: 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 Kangaroo vine

Kangaroo vine can be propagated by using semi-hardwood or softwood stem cuttings taken in spring.

It should take between six and eight weeks for roots to begin to form.

Watering Kangaroo vine Bonsai

Trees that are drought-tolerant can withstand a drought period of approximately 2-3 days. However, when grown in a container, maintain a regular watering routine.

Water the tree moderately during the summer and less frequently during the winter.

Water the tree when the bonsai soil feels dry to the touch.

Do not use water with a high lime content.

Read watering bonsai tree for more details about immersion technique.

Wiring Kangaroo vine Bonsai

This bonsai can be wired at any time of the growing season.

Pruning Kangaroo vine Bonsai

When to prune Kangaroo vine bonsai?

How to prune Kangaroo vine bonsai?

You can pinch out large leaves from the tree at any time in the growing season.

The new growth should be cut back to two or three leaves after four to six leaves have formed.

It is necessary to prune the plant vigorously if the leaves at the base of the plant are beginning to fall off.

Repotting Kangaroo vine Bonsai

When to repot Kangaroo vine bonsai?

Young kangaroo vine bonsai tree should be repotted every year. However, the older bonsai specimens can be repotted every 2nd year.

Repotting can be done in spring.

Do some root pruning at the time of repotting.

Use a good moisture retentive soil. Do not use a quick draining potting mix.

You can use a free draining , humus-rich loamy, bonsai soil mix as a potting soil.

Or you can use a mixture of sand, peat moss and loam in the ratio of 1:1:1.

Must Read: Bonsai Soil Recipes

Must read : Choosing the right bonsai container

Feeding Kangaroo vine Bonsai

Use a liquid bonsai or houseplant fertilizer once a week from spring to autumn during the main growing season.

Reduce the frequency down to every 6 weeks in the months of winter.

Read more about bonsai fertilizer and its application.

Diseases and pest of Kangaroo vine Bonsai

Mostly pest free.

This bonsai can be attacked by red spider mites and mealybugs. Remove them manually or by using a gentle water jet.

Use warm water or soapy water to rinse the leaves. You can also use neem oil solution. You can also use a systemic insecticide.

Kangaroo vine bonsai care

Avoid getting the plant too wet around the roots, otherwise the leaves may fall off and yellow flecks may appear.