Singapore Holly / Miniature holly / dwarf holly
(Malpighia coccigera)
Country of Origin : West Indies
Bonsai Styles : Formal upright, informal upright, slanting, semi-cascade, clump, Broom
Zone : 10 – 11
Singapore holly is a small (3-foot tall), often prostrate, evergreen, thorny shrub. It is also known as miniature holly or dwarf holly.
This shrub has pear-shaped, small, tough-textured leaves that are glossy pale green on top with spiny-toothed edges.
It also produces a profusion of small light-pink flowers. These flowers usually emerge from the leaf axils on lignified shoots. Spring and summer are the main flowering seasons in temperate regions.
These flowers are followed by tiny round red berries.
Even though Singapore holly can be used to make a stunning indoor bonsai tree, it is very important to be aware that it is not easy to grow indoors. It needs a great amount of care. This tree is NOT recommended for bonsai beginners.
Read more about other bonsai trees species in : Types of bonsai tree
Best location to keep Singapore Holly bonsai tree
Singapore holly bonsai can be kept indoors all year round in a bright window. Keep it near a south or west facing window. 1500 Lux is the minimum amount of light it will require to flourish. Please read the light levels required by bonsai to know the light requirements of various indoor bonsai trees. Also read how to grow indoor bonsai using grow lights. It is important to protect the bonsai from harsh direct sunlight, however.
The bonsai can be placed outdoors in a warm, shady, and wind-protected location if you live in a mild climate. A location with bright indirect sunlight is perfect.
Whenever this bonsai is moved to a new location or goes through temperature variations, it tends to shed its leaves; however, the leaves grow back fairly quickly.
In winter, place the bonsai in a location where the temperature is between 64°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C). Make sure that the temperature does not drop below 57°F (14°C). The tree will drop its leaves if exposed to lower temperatures.
It is crucial to maintain a humidity level of at least 50%. If the bonsai is placed on a heating pad during the winter, good results can be achieved.
Click here to read our detailed guide to 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 Singapore Holly bonsai tree
Singapore holly can be propagated through cuttings. You can plant the cuttings from mid-spring through summer. You can plant the cuttings in equal parts of sharp sand and moist peat.
The cuttings will need warm soil in order to root. A temperature of 64°F (18°C) is advisable.
It is also possible to propagate these plants by seeds; however, seeds are not readily available.
Watering Singapore Holly bonsai tree
Maintain an even moisture level in the soil throughout the year. It requires a lot of water to survive.
These plants can lose their leaves if the soil moisture varies dramatically. Furthermore, under- and over-watering will also cause leaf drop.
It is recommended that you mist spray it regularly and shade it from direct sunlight as much as possible. Avoid misting the flowers.
If possible use rainwater. Also make sure that the water is not too cold in winter. The water should be at room temperature.
Read watering bonsai tree and indoor bonsai tree care for more details.
Wiring Singapore Holly bonsai tree
It is possible to wire branches throughout the year, whenever the branches become slightly lignified.
Pruning carefully and selectively is the only way to achieve the broom style. For other bonsai styles, the branches must be shaped with wire at an early stage of the growth process.
It is difficult to bend thick branches, and they tear easily. Hence, establish the basic shape while the bonsai is still young.
A branch that is one or two years old can still be shaped to some extent. Older branches due to their inflexibility can be guyed down.
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 Singapore Holly bonsai tree
When to prune Singapore Holly bonsai tree?
How to prune Singapore Holly bonsai tree?
Branches can be pruned throughout the year when they become lignified. Pruning this plant to its basic form is best done just before the main growing season begins.
According to the tree’s size and the branch’s position in the crown, new growth should be pruned to one to three leaf pairs once the shoot has developed five to six leaf pairs.
Prune all the small leaves that are growing inside the crown, on the trunk and on the branches.
Read how to prune a bonsai to know about the right technique of pruning and more about defoliating a bonsai tree.
Repotting Singapore Holly bonsai tree
When to repot Singapore Holly bonsai tree?
Young Malpighia coccigera bonsai can be repotted every 1 to 2 years. Established older bonsai trees can be repotted every 2-3 years. It depends on the development of the roots. Repot the bonsai in the spring.
The roots of this tree grow pretty fast hence prune the roots vigorously at the time of repotting. Also, the roots need a lot of soil.
If you are planning to move the bonsai to larger container, select a bonsai container that is not too much larger than the previous one. Gradually increase the size of the pot.
Use a free-draining bonsai soil mix.
You can also make a bonsai soil mix by mixing loam, sand and peat moss (2:1:1) OR fired clay particles, compost and sand (1:2:1).
Please check out how to repot a bonsai to know everything about repotting and root pruning a bonsai.
Must Read: Bonsai Soil Recipes
Must read : Choosing the right bonsai container
Feeding Singapore Holly bonsai tree
Between late spring and mid-autumn, feed your plant every three to four weeks with a weak liquid fertilizer.
In winter, if the plant shows signs of growth, feed the bonsai every five to six weeks in winter.
Singapore Holly likes plenty of nitrogen. An iron supplement should be applied if the leaves of the bonsai turn yellow.
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 Singapore Holly bonsai tree
Singapore Holly bonsai is generally pest free. The only problems it can face is because lack of proper care such as – bad watering routine or lack of nutrition.
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.
