Bonsai is the art of growing trees that are present in nature, in miniature. To make this possible there are various bonsai techniques and tricks. The trees that grow to be 100 feet or more can be in a pot in your backyard or in your house with the help of bonsai. The beauty of these magnificent trees is not lost in the process, rather the significant and the beautiful aspects are magnified through bonsai.
Today we will tell you how to grow Rainbow Eucalyptus Bonsai in step by step process and some other important questions and their answers as well.
Not all trees can become bonsai, there are certain criteria that need to be met. But the trees that are part of the Eucalyptus family, can be grown into bonsai. They are strong and trees that are hardy in nature. Particularly the Rainbow Eucalyptus or the Rainbow Gum is a beautiful tree that can be turned into bonsai.
About Rainbow Eucalyptus
The Rainbow Eucalyptus or Rainbow gum is a tree that is seen in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Although in the Philippines they are most common. The scientific name of the tree is Eucalyptus deglupta. These trees are the only species of Eucalyptus that grow in a rainforest.
The trees are evergreen and are perfect for a tropical environment. They enjoy the sun all year round and can grow very tall. Naturally in a suitable environment, these trees can grow up to 197 to 246 ft. The trees are recognizable by an eye-catching feature. It is their multi-colored bark. The trees have colors under their bark and when their trunk grows the flaky barks fall.
When the barks fall they show streaks of pale red, green, orange, purplish-brown, and gray. These colors have earned them the name of Rainbow Eucalyptus. The tree is one of the most popular species of Eucalyptus and many people plant them for its unique characteristics. However, in the Philippines, they are planted only for pulpwood, to use in papermaking.
Grow Rainbow Eucalyptus Bonsai
To grow the Rainbow Eucalyptus bonsai, you have to follow these steps. We have divided the process into 3 parts.
1. The seed:
It is advised to start from the seed to grow a healthy tree. Alternatively, you can get a good young tree from a trusted source. There are various bonsai gardens or botanical gardens that can provide a good sapling. If these options are not available do not worry, collect multiple seeds to germinate. The germination rate for Rainbow Eucalyptus trees is roughly 50 to 60%. So, it is wise to collect multiple seeds.
The seeds at first should be put in the sun, they need to be fully hardened. The seeds should be kept moist to germinate. The standard time for them to germinate in three weeks. The first seed that shows progress, is the best candidate to start your bonsai with.
After that, your seedlings need to be incubated, first keep them in a box that is covered and in the shade. Although you are keeping them in the shade, make sure they get heat from the sun. Leave them like that for a week, water them. They will grow into healthy saplings.
2. Planting the seed:
The saplings when they are 10 inches high are ready to plant in the final pot. Eucalyptus trees have strong roots that grow very deep. So the standard pots for them are a no-go. To plant your sapling you need to find a cone-shaped pot. They will give the roots enough space to grow and thrive.
The soil they normally grow in is sandy with good drainage. So light, sandy soil should be your priority when planting the sapling. If you do not have access to this type of soil; loose soil mixed with gravel can be a good alternative. They will also provide the tree with good drainage. Lastly, mix organic fertilizers with the soil to ensure your tree grows healthy.
3. The caring process
The planting process is important but to make sure your bonsai tree grows perfectly, it needs to be kept under constant observation. The care that is needed to grow a bonsai tree from a seed is immense. For Rainbow Eucalyptus it takes 5 years for the tree to mature. So, you have to be aware of all the necessary needs.
i) Watering:
Eucalyptus trees need constant watering. The trees grow in a tropical environment under a sun that is present all year round. So, the trees need water. For bonsai, the lifeline for plants is the water that is present in their small pots. For this reason, it is essential to monitor the moisture in the soil.
The Rainbow Eucalyptus needs water but it should not be kept in wet soil. The soil needs to be loose with lots of moisture. The safest way to check if your tree needs water is by using your fingers to check the soil. Another way is to lift the pot up, if it’s light you will know the soil is very dry.
ii) Displaying:
Eucalyptus trees are not small bonsai trees. They are big trees in nature and as a bonsai, they are 3-5 feet tall. The trees love the sun and they are kept outside even as bonsai. So find a place outside that is a little high and put them there. However they do not do well in winter, they will die if the temperature drops below 55 degrees. They should be kept indoors in winter or in a greenhouse.
iii) Trimming:
The trimming process is the same as other bonsai trees. The top and side growth should be pinched off as they grow to make sure it does not grow too big. Serious trimming or training should be done when it’s 5 years old.
iv) Pest and insects:
If the tree shows any sign of abnormality or discoloration of leaves uses organic pesticides. Keep them in constant observation so that no disease can grow out of control. The trees are strong but it is better to be safe than sorry.
Conclusion
The Rainbow Eucalyptus is a beautiful tree and in the process of bonsai, this beauty does not get lost. The bonsai if it is successful will produce a beautiful miniature replica in your backyard. The colorful Rainbow Eucalyptus Bonsai will bring bliss to your house and in your life.
Feel free to let us know if you want to know anything else.