The golden larch native to China is almost exclusively cultivated as bonsai in Germany. Proper care is essential to ensure that it thrives.
Golden larches are native to China. There they grow up to mountain locations of 1,500 meters and reach stately heights of up to 40 meters. In botanical terms, the deciduous conifer is not a larch, but visually it is very reminiscent of native plants. However, the soft, bushy needles are much larger than those of larches. The cultivation of the golden larch (Pseudolarix amabilis) in our latitudes is almost exclusively limited to keeping bonsai. Therefore, the following care instructions refer primarily to the attractive mini trees.
Water the golden larch correctly
The plant needs a lot of moisture. regular wateringg is necessary all year round. The earth must not dry out. This would lead to the death of the fine root network. If you accidentally forgot to water, you should immerse the plant up to the edge of the planting tray in a container with water so that the roots can soak up the water again. This has usually happened when no more air bubbles rise.
Preferably water with rainwater. Alternatively, you can use stale tap water. The plants are sprayed with a fine shower jet. This treatment ensures increased humidity and at the same time cleans the leaves from dust and dirt.
» Tip: If you use tap water for watering, there will be lime spots on the leaves.
In winter there is significantly less watering. But the earth must not dry out here either.
Fertilize golden larch
The golden larch is only fertilized during the growth period, between May and September. At intervals of three to four weeks a liquid fertilizer for bonsai plants is given. Fertilizer balls can also be used.
» Tip: For the growth of the plant and a deep green needle colour, a dose of Epsom s alt is recommended per growth period.
Freshrepotted plants are not fertilized for the first few months.
Pruning Golden Larch
The golden larch tolerates pruning in early spring. The buds are already there at this point. The cut should always be made immediately before a new bud. The golden larch sprouts particularly pretty when branches are pruned with buds pointing downwards. Long shoots grow from the buds, which are later cut back to one or two buds. If you wait a while before pruning, strong branches will form.
» Tip: Young plants should only be pruned when the shoots have reached a length of at least 15 centimetres. Older specimens can be pruned earlier.
Regular pruning is necessary to maintain the growth habit. This applies to the pruning of branches and roots. While the roots are shortened when transplanting, the branches and shoots should be pruned in May, July and September.
Pruning golden larch in keywords:
- Pruning in early spring
- Shortening the roots when transplanting
- Topiology of branches and shoots between May and September
Wire gold larch
Not only regular pruning has an effect on the growth form of the golden larch, wiring also influences the shape of the bonsai. Trunk, branches and twigs can be shaped. For this you use aluminum wire, which is wound spirally around the desired plant parts.
» Tip: The wire should not be too tight, but not too loose either.
After wrapping branches and twigs, they will be bent in the right direction. When the growing season begins in May, the wire should be removed. Otherwise it can happen that the trunk and branches grow into the wire and unsightly traces of the wiring become visible.
An overview of the most important care measures
| Activity | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Casting | • high liquid requirement • the soil must not dry out • spray the plant with rainwater or stagnant tap water • also water in winter, but more sparingly |
| Fertilize | • Apply a bonsai liquid fertilizer about every six weeks between May and September • A single dose of Epsom s alt has a positive effect on plant growth and the color of the needles • After repotting initially no fertilization of the plants necessary |
| Cut | • regular pruning necessary to maintain growth habit • cut back in spring. • regular topiary during the growing season • prune the root during transplanting |
| Wires | • We recommend wiring the trunk, branches and twigs • Wrap parts of the plant in thin aluminum wire and bend them into shape • Remove the wire by May at the latest |
Diseases and Pests
The golden larch is relatively rarely attacked by diseases and pests. Mealybugs and mealybugs can occur due to incorrect care. These suck on the needles, deprive them of their nourishment and, after a while, make the trees look downright stunted.
In order to prevent the spread of the lice infestation, the hobby gardener should act immediately. Showering with a hard jet of water can be enough to get rid of the lice in the early stages. In the advanced stage, it is advisable to shorten all affected parts of the plant. A complete pruning is often necessary.
» Tip: Mealybugs lay their eggs in the potting soil.
Affected plants should always be repotted. Only a complete replacement of the substrate reliably eliminates the pests. The planting bowl must also be cleaned and disinfected with alcohol.
In the form of ladybirds, lacewings and parasitic wasps, mealybugs and mealybugs have natural predators. Spraying with soapy water or treating with a milk-water solution helps against lice infestation. Nettle broth or tansy broth can be used to strengthen plants.
Avoid care mistakes
A location that is too dry can damage the plant. The fine roots should be constantly supplied with moisture, otherwise there is a risk of dying.
Stunted growth can also indicate a nutrient deficiency. This is prevented by regular fertilization during the growing season. Since the plants do not tolerate lime, they should preferably be irrigated with rainwater.
Winter larch
Golden larches should preferably be kept as outdoor bonsai. The mini trees do not differ from their larger role models. They don't do well indoors, but need the outdoor season change for optimal development.
»Tip: The golden larch can also be overwintered in a greenhouse, preferably at temperatures up to a maximum of ten degrees.
The golden larchis hardy and tolerates temperatures down to - 15 degrees. In harsh mountain regions, where severe frosts can be expected, a light winter protection is recommended for the shell. The shell can be buried in the ground in the fall after the needles have been shed. The surface is covered several centimeters with substrate. This provides extra protection for the roots.
During the cold season, make sure that the soil does not dry out. The golden larch should be watered on frost-free days. Covering with plastic wrap can prevent dehydration in severe frosts.