How to Grow a Chinese Ash Bonsai? Photo Gallery and Detailed Care Guide

Most people feel uncertain about how to properly care for a bonsai, let alone the rarely seen Chinese ash (Fraxinus chinensis) bonsai. Spending hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of yuan on a Chinese ash bonsai only to have it die from improper care is truly a pity. In fact, as long as you grasp the following aspects, growing a Chinese ash bonsai at home is not difficult.

Watering

With a Chinese ash bonsai, you need to master the balance of dryness and moisture, generally following the principle of "don't water until dry, and when you water, water thoroughly." Water your Chinese ash bonsai as little as possible; normally, just keep the potting soil slightly moist. Only in the peak of summer should you water a bit more. As for timing, water mainly in the early morning or forenoon, and try to avoid watering in the evening.

Light

In spring, summer, and autumn, the Chinese ash bonsai must be placed in a spot with ample sunlight (except in midsummer, when you may provide intermittent shading to avoid direct strong light). Indoor bonsai must also be sunned at least once every three days. In winter, indoor placement requires sufficient diffused light to maintain normal photosynthesis in the plant.

Environmental Temperature

The Chinese ash bonsai is extremely adaptable, showing no adverse reactions or diseases at low temperatures down to -20°C or high temperatures of 40°C, so there is no need to worry too much about temperature. However, whether in the north or south, it is best to move it indoors in winter. In places with heating, pay attention to replenishing moisture.

Timely Bud Removal

Each year, the Chinese ash bonsai has two peak growth seasons, in spring and autumn. Spring, when all things revive, is when the Chinese ash sprouts the most new buds. At this time, promptly remove excess new buds. After a brief dormancy in midsummer, the Chinese ash welcomes a second growth peak in mid-to-late August each year. Although this round of new buds is not as numerous as in spring, they must also be removed promptly.

Potting Soil

Once the Chinese ash bonsai has taken shape, switch from a deep pot to a shallow pot and reduce the amount of soil in the pot as much as possible. At the same time, when mixing the soil, add a suitable amount of coal cinders, with the ratio of soil to cinders able to be half and half.

Fertilizing

During the growing season, apply light but frequent fertilizer to the Chinese ash bonsai. To facilitate absorption by the tree and avoid wasting the fertilizer solution, it is best to apply once every 5-7 days. Fertilizing is generally done on a sunny afternoon when the potting soil is on the dry side, and after application, water to rinse the leaves. Once the Chinese ash bonsai has taken shape, you can basically stop fertilizing. However, to keep the tree from becoming too weak, you may apply some light fertilizer in late autumn before the Chinese ash drops its leaves.