Mastic tree / Pistachio
(Pistacia lentiscus)
Country of Origin : Mediterranean, Far east countries, Korea, China
Bonsai Styles : Broom and Upright informal
Zone : 9 – 11
In the Mediterranean region and the Far East, where commercial bonsai are grown, pistachios are found.
Their growth never exceeds that of a large shrub, and they are a subtropical plant.
Its compound leaves are shiny green, thick, and are borne on stiff branches.
There are several smaller leaflets at the base of each leaf, forming a pair along a central stalk. The leaves are pinnate, meaning that they are made up of several smaller leaflets.
Each pinnate leaf on a pistachio bonsai tree can appear to be a shoot with leaves growing from it.
Best location to keep Pistachio Bonsai
Pistachios prefer full sun when they are grown outdoors, but they are less tolerant of it when planted in containers, especially if sunlight is intensified through window glass.
Ideal temperature to keep the Pistachio bonsai is above 51°F (10°C).
However, for a very brief period of time it can survive a temperature as low as 41°F (5°C).
In indoor settings, during the summer, give your pistachio as much light as possible without exposing it to the hot afternoon sun.
In outdoor settings, during summer, keep it in a location where it will be shaded from direct sun.
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 Pistachio
A pistachio tree is propagated through budding onto the appropriate rootstock.
The budding process usually is carried out in the fall.
Depending on the size of the seedling, the budded tree will be planted in the same year or the following year.
Watering Pistachio Bonsai
It is imperative to keep the soil moist at all times. However, do not let the bonsai soil become waterlogged.
Spray the bonsai tree with water everyday.
You can also try the immersion technique to water the bonsai once a week.
Read watering bonsai tree for more details about immersion technique.
Wiring Pistachio Bonsai
Wiring of Pistacia lentiscus bonsai tree can be done in early fall or late summer. Plants should be wired at the end of the growing season, when the growth is not rapid and branches are relatively flexible.
At this time the branches are less likely to break as they are less brittle.
The bark thickens dramatically in spring, when growth is fastest, and the branches become brittle as they are filled with water.
Hence, avoid wiring at this time. The branches and the bark will break, causing the rest of the branch to die.
Pruning Pistachio Bonsai
When to prune Pistachio bonsai?
How to prune Pistachio bonsai?
Pruning pistachio bonsai trees can be done at any time of the year.
The fleshy bark crushes easily (separates readily from the heartwood), so make sure that the tools you use are particularly sharp and clean.
It is quite common for wounds to heal quickly, but they can sometimes die back, particularly if the bonsai soil is dry. Hence, seal wounds as soon as possible.
The best way to shape branches is to selectively prune them. If you want the new shoot to grow in a particular direction, cut the bud that faces in that direction.
However, this is just a temporary solution and can be only utilized in small Pistachio bonsai. Because when the pinnate leaves are dropped by the plant, it appears as if a whole branch is removed. This greatly changes the bonsai style and look.
Likewise, if two or three leaflets appear on a new small shoot, it can appear as if new branches have formed.
Instead of a small specimen, settling for medium to large bonsai can be a solution to this problem.
Pinching Pistachio Bonsai
The shoots are too tough to pinch with the fingers, so use sharp nail scissors to snip them back to one or two leaves.
Pinching the bonsai tree with fingers is difficult as the shoots are tough. Hence, use a sharp scissor.
Snip the shoots back to one or two leaves.
It is possible for the compound leaves to appear untidy, so make sure that just two leaflets remain on each leaf after cutting through the central stem.
As a result, back-budding will also be promoted.
Repotting Pistachio Bonsai
When to repot Pistachio bonsai?
Pistachio bonsai tree can be repotted every 2 – 3 years.
However, repotting can be done sooner in case the tree is pot bound.
While repotting make sure you do not damage the roots. Much like the bark, roots also have the tendency of getting damaged pretty easily.
While untangling the roots, use tools that are sharp to avoid tearing the roots.
You can use a basic free-draining bonsai soil mix as a potting soil.
OR
You can also use a soil mix consisting of 40% grit and 60% organic matter.
Must Read: Bonsai Soil Recipes
Must read : Choosing the right bonsai container
Feeding Pistachio Bonsai
Apply a balanced fertilizer throughout summer and fall.
In winter, stop applying feed.
However, in winter, if the temperature is consistently above 68 °F (20°C), you can apply a balanced feed (half strength) every 3 weeks. Since, because of this temperature the tree will keep growing.
Read more about bonsai fertilizer and its application.
Diseases and pest of Pistachio Bonsai
Pistachio Bonsai trees can be infested by spider mites, woolly aphids and scaled insects. Use a systemic insecticide.
The tree can also be affected by systemic fungi diseases and root root. Make sure to maintain a clean environment around the bonsai tree.
Premature leaf fall and mildew can also pose a problem if watering and ventilation is not taken care of.
Pistachio bonsai care
Pistachios cannot tolerate dry roots, so prevent water evaporation by covering the bonsai soil surface with moss or gravel.
To reduce further moisture loss from the leaves, place the bonsai pot above a tray of water. This also increases local humidity.
A plant’s leaves are an excellent indicator of its health. If all is not well, the pistachio leaves will turn yellow, especially if the roots are stressed.
Furthermore, cold drafts can cause foliage, even young shoots, to die.
What to look for when buying Pistachio Bonsai
It is difficult to keep a small bonsai tidy due to its thick, glossy green pinnate leaves growing in all directions (as mentioned in earlier sections). Consider going for a medium to large bonsai instead while making a purchase.
You can buy young small Pistachio plants if you are going for a group plantation bonsai style. However, ensure the plants have varying heights and diameters of the trunks.
