New Zealand tea tree / Manuka
(Leptospermum scoparium)
Country of Origin : Australia, New Zealand
Bonsai Styles : Informal upright, formal upright, Slanting
Zone : 9 – 10
New Zealand tea tree is a slightly tender evergreen ornamental shrub that grows mostly as a shrub, and sometimes as a small tree.
The tree has narrow lance-shaped thorn-tipped bluish-green leaves that are arranged alternately on the branches.
In early summer it produces button-sized rose-like flowers that vary in color from white to pink to dark red (Depending on the variety).
As the shrub ages, the bark on the branches and the trunk will start opening up, forming feathery flakes. Because of this characteristic, even relatively young shrubs look old.
The tiny sharp leaves, scattered flowers and the bark on the small bush make it a very attractive plant to train as a bonsai. However, it is not an easy plant to grow and is only recommended for experienced bonsai growers and not bonsai beginners. Furthermore, this plant has a short life span as an indoor bonsai tree.
Read more about other bonsai trees species in : Types of bonsai tree
Best location to keep New Zealand tea tree bonsai
You can place a New Zealand tea bonsai tree indoors throughout the year in a bright and cool location. An east, west or north facing window can be sufficient. You can also use grow lights. Please read how to use grow lights for bonsai for more details.
An ideal temperature for the plant to thrive is from 59°F – 68°F (15°C – 20°C).
You can also keep it outdoors in summer in a shaded location receiving indirect sunlight. The location should also be sheltered from winds. This plant also needs a lot of fresh air, hence maintain good air ventilation. You can even use a fan for this.
In winter, place it in a location that can provide frost protection and high humidity levels. Do not let the temperature drop below 20°F (-6°C). Do not keep it near a heat source. Please read our guide on 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 New Zealand tea tree bonsai
New Zealand tea tree can be propagated through cuttings and seeds.
While using seeds, sow the seeds at a temperature of 61°F-64°F (16°C-18°C).
While using cuttings, take softwood cuttings in midsummer. Plant them in an equal mix of peat and sand. Maintain a temperature of 61°F (16°C).
Watering New Zealand tea tree bonsai
Although adapted to dry climates, this species can be temperamental if it gets too dry between watering sessions. Hence, in summer develop an effective routine of watering your bonsai to keep the soil evenly moist, especially while the bonsai is flowering.
Water whenever the soil feel slightly dry.
Unlike most of the bonsai trees, this tree can tolerate excessive water better than insufficient watering.
If the rootball is allowed to dry out, the plant will die. They will not show any signs of lack of water so maintain a regular watering routine and monitor the environment. You can also mist the plant but avoid wetting the flowers.
Water the plant less in winter, but do not let the soil become dry. Use rainwater to water this bonsai whenever possible.
Read watering bonsai tree.
Wiring New Zealand tea tree bonsai
It is possible to wire younger branches that have been slightly lignified at any time of the year.
Older branches are fragile and brittle, so be careful when wiring them. Also, when trying to bend these branches, these branches have a tendency to break off at the trunk if not given proper support. Support the breaking point with your finger or thumb.
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 New Zealand tea tree bonsai
When to prune New Zealand tea tree bonsai?
How to prune New Zealand tea tree bonsai?
Young bonsai trees should be pruned severely in the spring, but mature bonsai trees should not be pruned until after they flower.
In young trees, cut back the new shoots as soon as they reach a length of about 10 cm.
In older plants, flowers are usually produced in the summer and sometimes flowers are also produced again in the winter. Hence, avoid pruning older trees from late spring until the flowering season. Also, do not perform vigorous pruning on older branches as these branches do not bud back very often.
Read how to prune a bonsai to know about the right technique of pruning and more about defoliating a bonsai tree.
Repotting New Zealand tea tree bonsai
When to repot New Zealand tea tree bonsai?
New Zealand tea tree bonsai can be repotted every second years in the spring.
Prune the roots very lightly as the tree is very sensitive to root disturbance. Keep as many roots as possible. Do not comb the roots and do not remove the soil from the root mass. Just use a root pruning shear and remove a small section of the bottom part, just enough so that the plant can fit into the bonsai pot.
Use a free-draining bonsai soil mix that is acidic. You can mix some peat or azalea in the soil.
Please check out how to repot a bonsai to know everything about repotting and root pruning a bonsai.
Must Read: Bonsai Soil Recipes
Feeding New Zealand tea tree bonsai
Feed your bonsai weak liquid fertilizer every two or three weeks from late spring to early autumn.
The plant should be fed every four to five weeks in winter, but only when new growth is appearing.
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 New Zealand tea tree bonsai
New Zealand tea tree bonsai is generally pest free.
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.
