Shamel ash bonsai care

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Shamel ash is an evergreen tree that has widespread, slightly drooping branches and an ash-grey bark. About 4 inches (10 cm) long, the pinnate leaves are deep green, with 5 to 9 small, lancet-shaped, feather-like leaflets.

Leaflets are finely serrated with small teeth that are barely visible to the naked eye. The space between the leaves is generally wide.

As soon as the basic plant shape has been established, regular cutting back and removal of large leaves can easily remedy the relatively wide space between leaves.

While this plant is robust and loves a lot of light, it will also tolerate low light levels. As a result, it also makes a suitable indoor bonsai tree.

Read more about other bonsai trees species in : Types of bonsai tree

Best location to keep Shamel ash bonsai tree

You can keep the bonsai indoors in a bright location. The more light the plant receives, the more compact its growth will be. You can even use grow lights. Read how to use grow lights to grow bonsai trees indoor for more details.

If you are planning to keep it outdoors, you can do so from mid-spring to summer. Keep it in a partially shaded location.

In the winter, keep the plant in a protected location in a temperature range of 60°F to 68°F (16°C to 20°C).

Please read indoor bonsai tree care to know the best practices to keep an indoor bonsai tree healthy.

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 Shamel ash bonsai tree

Shamel ash can be propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in early summer to mid summer. Plant the cutting in a mix of equal parts sand and peat. Maintaining a temperature of 68°C to 77°F (20 to 25°C) will encourage better rooting.

Watering Shamel ash bonsai tree

The rate of watering will greatly influence the size of the leaves and also the space between the leaves on the shoots. More water will increase the size of the leaves.

Hence, develop a watering routine where you do not let the size of the leaves become too large. Between watering sessions, let the soil dry out a bit.

However, excessive less watering will lead to the dieback of the leaves.

Read watering bonsai tree (for immersion technique) and indoor bonsai tree care for more details.

Wiring Shamel ash bonsai tree

Wiring can be done once the branches have become lignified, starting in early fall.

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 Shamel ash bonsai tree

When to prune Shamel ash bonsai tree?

How to prune Shamel ash bonsai tree?

Pruning can be done throughout the year.

The new shoots should be allowed to become lignified, and then they should be cut to two or three leaves.

You should remove all the shoots that grow towards the inside of the plant. Leaves of larger size should continue to be removed throughout the main growing period.

Read how to prune a bonsai to know about the right technique of pruning and more about defoliating a bonsai tree.

Repotting Shamel ash bonsai tree

When to repot Shamel ash bonsai tree?

Shamel ash bonsai trees can be repotted every 2 years in the spring.

Prune almost 1/3 of the total root mass.

Use a free-draining bonsai soil mix.

You can also make a bonsai soil mix by mixing loam, sand and peat moss (1:1:1).

Please check out how to repot a bonsai to know everything about repotting and root pruning a bonsai.

Must Read: Bonsai Soil Recipes

Feeding Shamel ash bonsai tree

Every two weeks, apply liquid bonsai fertilizer from early spring to summer. During the rest of the year, apply feed every four to six weeks.

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 Shamel ash bonsai tree

This tree as a bonsai is mostly 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.