Apple Tree (Malus)

The most used Apple Tree varieties for the bonsai technique are Malus Sylvestris and Malus Cerasifera.

Apple Tree Bonsai Care Guide

How should I water it?

It does not tolerate waterlogging; you should water it once the first layer of the substrate is dry.

Should I leave it in full sun?

For its correct development, it will be necessary to have it in full sun for most of the year, but in the summer we must protect it during the sunniest hours. The ideal is to find a place where it gets sun in the morning or afternoon, remaining protected during midday. Or set up a 50% shade cloth.

Should I worry about sheltering it during the winter?

In general, it withstands frosts well down to -2ºC, but if the tree already has its spring bloom, it can freeze and fall later.

One option is to put it in a greenhouse during the coldest months, or set up an LED panel indoors to supplement the lack of light it may suffer indoors.

How often should I fertilize?

Fertilize in spring and autumn. The fertilizer will affect the fruit production, being affected if the tree is fertilized during flowering. But if we want to prioritize growth, we must do it.

When and how should it be pruned?

In autumn the thickest branches and in winter we can remove the “sucker” branches that usually grow upwards.

Branches can be trimmed to achieve more compact branching as they sprout easily from behind.

Can I get new branches?

Apple trees generate new branches from the main trunk without any problem.

Can I pinch?

It should be done after flowering, leaving one or two leaves on the branches we want to keep.

When is the best time to wire?

In autumn when the branches are still flexible or in spring.

How do I know when I have to repot?

Every one or two years at the beginning of spring before budding.

They have very delicate roots, so when separating the old substrate from them we must be careful or we will break a large part of them.

In any case, it is a species that withstands drastic root pruning. Although if we cut roots of a certain thickness we must apply fungicide as they are very prone to suffering from fungi.

What substrate or soil should I use?

It needs a draining substrate to avoid waterlogging. 70% Akadama and 30% Kiryuzuna is a perfect and quality combination that can even help us to space out repotting more since Akadama takes a long time to compact.

How can I propagate it?

It is very easy by seeds by applying stratification in a refrigerator with a waiting period of about 2 months. It also roots well from cuttings or with air layering.

What pests and diseases can affect it?

Powdery mildew, mealybugs, aphids or red spiders are the most common pests. Many of them are induced by a cultivation problem such as overwatering or constant winds.

They also suffer a lot from fungi after pruning roots of a certain diameter.