Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa -Corkscrew Willow Hardiness USDA Zones 4-8.
Growing and caring for a Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa' (commonly known as the corkscrew willow as a bonsai can be a rewarding experience due to its unique twisted branches and rapid growth. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to do it:
### Selection and Initial Training
1. **Choosing the Plant**:
- Select a healthy young Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa' with strong, interestingly twisted branches.
2. **Initial Pruning**:
- Prune the tree to develop a strong structure. Remove any branches that are too straight or don’t fit into your desired shape.
- Focus on creating an open canopy to allow light and air to penetrate.
3. **Pot Selection**:
- Choose a pot that is appropriate for bonsai, ensuring it has adequate drainage holes.
### Potting and Soil
1. **Soil Mix**:
- Use a well-draining bonsai soil mix.
- Willows prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH.
2. **Repotting**:
- Repot every 1-2 years in the early spring before new growth begins. This helps refresh the soil and manage root growth.
- Trim the roots to fit the pot, but do not remove more than one-third of the root mass.
### Watering
1. **Frequency**:
- Willows need plenty of water, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Reduce watering in winter when the tree is dormant.
### Light and Temperature
1. **Light**:
- Provide full sun to partial shade. Ensure the bonsai receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
2. **Temperature**:
- Willows are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but they should be protected from extreme cold. In winter, provide some protection if temperatures drop significantly below freezing.
### Feeding
1. **Fertilizing**:
- Feed with a balanced bonsai fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring to early autumn).
- Reduce feeding in late autumn and winter when the tree is dormant.
### Pruning and Shaping
1. **Pruning**:
- Regularly prune to maintain the desired shape and size. Willows grow quickly, so frequent trimming is necessary.
- Remove any dead or diseased branches promptly.
2. **Wiring**:
- Wire branches to shape them, but be cautious as willow branches are brittle and can snap easily.
- Remove the wire after a few months to prevent it from cutting into the bark as the branches grow.
### Pests and Diseases
1. **Common Issues**:
- Willows can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Check regularly and treat with appropriate insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust can occur. Ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage excessively.
2. **Preventative Measures**:
- Keep the bonsai in a well-ventilated area.
- Remove fallen leaves and debris from the soil surface to prevent fungal growth.
### Outside Display
Unlike certain other types of bonsai trees which can be kept inside the home, a Weeping Willow bonsai tree should be kept on the outside of the home. With a bit of planning, it is very easy to display the bonsai tree on the outside of a home.
### Seasonal Care
1. **Spring**:
- This is the time for repotting, major pruning, and wiring. New growth will start appearing.
2. **Summer**:
- Water frequently and provide partial shade if the sun is very intense.
3. **Autumn**:
- Reduce feeding and prepare the tree for dormancy. Prune lightly to maintain shape.
4. **Winter**:
- Protect from severe frost. Reduce watering but do not let the soil dry out completely.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow and care for a Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa' as a bonsai, enjoying its unique beauty and form.