In our latitudes, the golden larch is really exotic and is usually cultivated as a bonsai. We will show you what needs to be considered when planting.
In the botanical sense, the golden larch does not belong to the larches, but forms a separate species of pine family with the genus Pseudolarix. The name golden larch suggests the attractive autumn colors. The pine family has in common with the larch that the needles fall in winter. Golden larches are a true rarity in our latitudes and can actually be found almost exclusively in botanical gardens. Even in its native China, the golden larch (Pseudolarix amabilis) is on the list of endangered conifers. The cultivation of the plants as outdoor bonsai is far more common, so we will also focus on that in the text.
Small description of plants
The golden larch is a deciduous plant that can grow up to 40 meters in height and often reaches a trunk diameter of almost two meters. On old trunks, the gray-brown bark catches the eye, which detaches from the trunk in small plates. The needles are up to four millimeters wider than in the native larches. The shoot is rich green. Flowering begins in May. During autumn ripening, the cones disintegrate and the egg-shaped winged seeds are released. The soft, bushy needles first turn bright yellow, later appear reddish and fall off before the golden larch goes into hibernation.
Distribution
The original home of the golden larch is in the provinces of Jiangxi and Zhejiang in eastern China. There, the golden larch grows on moist, lime-poor soils at altitudes of up to 1,500 meters. The plants were not introduced to Europe and North America until the middle of the 19th century and have remained a rarity there to this day. Some specimens, which can be estimated to be more than 100 years old, are owned by Harvard University. While growth heights of 40 meters are not uncommon in China, specimens cultivated in Europe are rarely higher than 10 meters. The golden larch has been on the Red List of Threatened Species since 2008.
The right locationfind
Golden larches need a sunny and sheltered spot. This also applies to bonsai cultivation. As an outdoor bonsai, the plant can be kept outside all year round. In a sunny location, the crop can form an excess of oxygen and sugar. This causes a growth spurt. The stem forms and rain and wind solidify the needles. This makes the plants more resistant to diseases and pests.
The plants love a sunny spot, but should be protected from the blazing midday sun in hot summers. A sheltered location should be chosen at any time of the year.
Coming soon:
- sunny
- light
- wind protected
- no blazing midday sun on hot days
Selecting the ideal substrate
The natural requirements of the plant are a fresh, loose and nutrient-rich soil. Conventional bonsai soil can be used to keep bonsai. In any case, it should be a neutral to slightly acidic substrate.
» Tip: Golden larches do not tolerate calcareous soil.
Coming soon:
- loose
- fresh
- nutrient rich
- limescale
- neutral to slightly acidic
Plant golden larch
When is the ideal time to plant?
The best time to plant a golden larch is between October and November. There should be no frost on the day of planting.
Step by step instructions
1. Select location2. Loosen soil
3. Water plant
4. Improve soil
5. Dig planting hole6. Insert the plant
7. Fill in the substrate
8. Close the planting hole
9. Press the soil down gently
10. Water the plant
If you are lucky enough to own a golden larch, you should do everything right when planting it so that you can cultivate this rarity among the plants in a species-appropriate manner and make it an eye-catcher in the garden. The best results can be achieved with young trees that have already been grown. These should be about half a meter in size. Once the right location has been found, the soil should be deeply loosened. The trees need a loose and fresh substrate. While the soil is being prepared, the sapling should be watered. To do this, place the golden larch in a container with water and only remove the plant when no more air bubbles rise.
» Tip:The substrate can be made more nutritious by adding humus and compost.
The planting hole should be at least twice the size of the root ball. The tree is then placed in the center of the planting hole. After the substrate has been filled up, the soil is carefully trampled down.
The plants should be planted in a wind-protected spot. Nevertheless, it cannot hurt to provide the young plant with a support. Drive a wooden stake into the ground at a suitable distance from the root ball and attach the tree to it with string or soft wire. After planting, the golden larch should be watered well.
Planting as bonsai
Planting as a bonsai is less complicated. The first thing to do here is to choose the right planter. This should not be too small and should have drainage holes in the bottom. If you don't have a typical bonsai planter, a flat planter can also be used. The planter is filled with bonsai soil and the plant is placed in the middle of the container. Here, too, it is important to press down the soil slightly and then to provide the plant with sufficient moisture.
An overview of the most important tips for planting
| Activity | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Select Location | Choose a sunny and wind-protected location. Bonsai should be protected from the blazing midday sun in summer. |
| Prepare the ground | The substrate should be loose and permeable. The golden larch needs a nutrient-rich substrate and prefers calcareous soil. |
| planting | When planting outdoors, care must be taken to prepare the soil carefully. The soil should be loosened up well and can be enriched with compost or humus. When planting the bonsai, the Choosing the right planter is crucial for growth and development. |
Repotting the golden larch - what should be considered?
If the golden larch is cultivated as a bonsai, transplanting is recommended at two-year intervals. The best time for this is spring. A larger planter must be chosen if the bowl is less than 2/3 the height of the plant. During transplanting, about two-thirds of the used potting soil is replaced with new bonsai soil.
» Tip: Bonsai soil is composed of lava chips, akadama and pumice gravel.
In the case of the golden larch, the substrate should never be completely replaced when transplanting. The trees have a symbiosis fungus with the mycorrhiza, which promotes the growth of the plant. Transplanting offers an opportunity to control and trim the roots for their condition. This stimulates the development of a well-branched and therefore stable root system.