Golden Larch Bonsai Tree Number 16Y

Pseudolarix Amabilis

South-eastern China

Deciduous conifer. Light tree foliage similar to Larch

Forms a tree up to 40m hight in the wild. The common name comes from the golden hue of the autumn foliage.

Grown in a variety of sizes from small to extra-large. When grown as very small bonsai, individual leaves are taken to represent whole branches

Not commonly found in garden centres, mainly available through bonsai specialists.

Mainly grown in informal upright style and as groups.

Outdoors only. Grows well in full sun. Slight shade in full summer is suggested.

Protection from frost is recommended.

Water daily in hot weather. Keep evenly moist at other times. Rainwater is better in hard water areas, as the tree prefers a slightly acidic soil.

New shoots will sprout out of individual leaves. These can be pinched with your finders or using scissors, back to one set of new leaves. If you want to use these new shoots to make new branches, let them grow and then wire them after they have lengthened and harden off. You can prune off new shoots which grow downwards or back in toward the trunk. You can also prune the tree in winter, where branches can be cut back to buds which will be visible.

Wiring can be done at any time. It may be easier to wire when the tree has no leaves and is dormant.

As this tree is ericaceous, a feed with some ericaceous fertiliser once in a while may be helpful. We use Naruko slow release fertiliser as the main fertiliser from these trees, applying this three times per year, in spring, early summer and late summer.

Repot every two or three years, in the spring.

Use a general bonsai soil mix