Larch
(Larix)
Country of Origin : Varies from species to species (Japan, Europe, America)
Bonsai Styles : Can be grown in all styles except for broom style.
Zone : Depends on species
Japanese Larch Bonsai : 5 – 7
European Larch Bonsai : 3 – 6
Trees from the Larix genus are deciduous, coniferous trees. The natural growth habit of Larch trees is slender, upright, conical, with drooping branches and foliage.
The foliage of these trees resembles the leaves of pine trees. The leaves grow in cluster.
On long shoots, the needle-shaped foliage is borne loosely in spirals, while on short shoots, it is borne in whorls.
The foliage color in spring is pale green. This color changes to a beautiful golden-yellow in fall before the leaves fall.
The striking seasonal change in foliage color makes larch trees a popular bonsai species. Furthermore, bonsai specimens with thick trunks are easy to acquire from nurseries.
Cones that appear in spring are usually purple before turning brown and persist on trees for a long time before dropping.
For bonsai, the most common Larix species are Larix decidua (European Larch or common larch), Larix kaempferi (Japanese Larch or karamatsu) and Larix laricina (American Larch or ‘Tamarack’).
- Larix decidua (European Larch bonsai) : It is native to central and southern Europe. Stems and new shoots are light straw-colored. This species has grayish bark. And the older specimens develop interesting cracks and ridges on the bark. In spring, the needle-like foliage is bright green, and in fall, it is golden.
- Larix kaempferi (Japanese Larch bonsai) : This species are widely planted in many parts of the world. But these trees are native to Japan. The leaves of this tree are larger than the foliage of European larch. The new twigs are reddish-orange in color. These darken to almost purple as winter arrives.
- Larix laricina (American Larch bonsai) : Of all the Larches used for bonsai, American larch has the largest needles. However, the flowers and the cones are smaller than other larch trees. This species is widespread in northern states of the USA and in Canada.
In addition to the above mentioned species, there is also a hybrid species (L. decidua and L. kaempferi) , Larix x eurolepis (Dunkeld larch) that is popular in Scotland.
In terms of bonsai trees, larches are highly recommended as first bonsai for beginners, since they are tough, flexible trees that can be adapted to a wide range of styles and sizes.
The main difference between Japanese and European larch is the coloring.
Japanese Larch is stronger and faster growing than European Larch.
Best location to keep Larch Bonsai
Throughout the year, the plants should be kept in full sun.
Larch trees do not grow well in humid and warm climates.
In temperate climates, these trees do not require special protection in winter. For them to grow successfully, cold temperatures are necessary.
Japanese Larch Bonsai is suitable for zone 5 – 7. European Larch Bonsai is suitable for 3 – 6.
However, protect the smaller sized bonsai trees from frost.
To have compact needles in your Larch bonsai tree, keep the container in a cool and dry place.
If a larix bonsai is subjected to warm summers and wet and mild winters, it will wither and its needles will become coarse.
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 Larch tree
Larch tree can be propagated by sowing seeds in early spring.
It can also be propagated by using stem cuttings in early fall or late summer.
Watering Larch Bonsai
Throughout the growing season, water your larch bonsai regularly.
Water a little less in winter. However, always keep the soil moist and don’t let it dry out.
You can also mist the foliage occasionally. But remember that these trees prefer dry conditions. Excessive misting will increase the humidity around the tree, which is not recommended.
Be careful while watering and don’t make the soil waterlogged.
Read watering bonsai tree for more details about immersion technique.
Wiring Larch Bonsai
Wiring is best done when branches are bare in winter. The branches of the larch when young are fragile and can be wired easily.
Wiring larch trees in fall will require the wires to remain until the following fall.
Make sure there are no needles trapped under the wires. Also, the branches of the tree thicken pretty fast. So make sure the bark is not biting on the wires.
Pruning Larch Bonsai
When to prune Larch bonsai?
How to prune Larch bonsai?
Regular pruning is no problem for the larch.
Prune back any side branches that are too long in the spring, cutting just above tufts of needles without cutting through the needles.
It is imperative to remove odd and poorly positioned buds before they open.
It becomes a little hard to seal the pruning wounds with cut paste as the tree produces a resin. However, the tree seals its wounds with the production of thick callus.
In order to promote a more regular structure, crossing or malformed branches should be removed carefully.
Leave your larch bonsai alone if it has an attractive shape and is not blocking light or views.
Pinching Larch Bonsai
In order to maintain a trim silhouette throughout the growing season, remove shoots emerging from the trunk and pinch back new shoots appearing from the side branches.
Repotting Larch Bonsai
When to repot Larch bonsai?
Younger larch bonsai specimens can be repotted every year in mid to early spring before buds show green.
However, older larch bonsai specimens can be repotted every 3-4 years.
Larch bonsai trees grow strong roots. It is critical to not let the larch tree roots become pot bound.
Check roots every year to see if they need to be pruned.
You can use a free-draining, bonsai soil mix which is rich in organic matter.
OR
You can also make a soil mix of loam, sharp sand and leaf mold (or compost) in the ration of 1:1:1.
Must Read: Bonsai Soil Recipes
Must read : Choosing the right bonsai container
Feeding Larch Bonsai
In the spring and late summer, apply a general fertilizer every two weeks.
The needles and branches of larches will become coarse if the tree is overfed.
Read more about bonsai fertilizer and its application.
Diseases and pest of Larch Bonsai
In early summer, larches can be infested by larch adelgids, which are similar to aphids and feed on sap. Their white, fluffy wax makes them easy to identify.
Yellowing of the foliage or drying of needles occurs as a result of severe infestations. Use a systemic insecticide if you cannot dislodge them manually or by jet of water.
Caterpillars can be removed by hand. Keep the bonsai in a clean place.
Larch bonsai care
It is imperative to protect Larix bonsai trees from excessive rain in winter.
Try and use a bonsai soil which is acidic and rich in organic matter.
Avoid pruning the top part of the tree. However, the lower branches can be pruned (as the tree grows). This will not only let the light penetrate through the foliage but also expose the beautiful lower part of the trunk.
Keep the bonsai pot in a place where it has got enough space to expand.
By using mulch, you can help the soil retain moisture.
Larch trees should not be fertilized until they have passed their first growing season.
Larch trees are resilient to cold weather, but they are susceptible to wind damage. Therefore, young trees should be protected from harsh winds.
What to look for when buying Larch Bonsai
The price of larch trees collected from the wild is high and they are popular.
You can find many larix bonsai specimens in most of the bonsai nurseries.
Don’t worry if your bonsai has mild scar marks. These marks will become less visible as the bark thickens.
A plant with root rot will not stick firmly to the soil. Specially in the case of larch tree (which naturally hold soil very firmly), avoid loose trees.
