The Apple Tree Bonsai: The Beauty of the Four Seasons

The Flowering Apple Tree (genus Malus) is one of the most rewarding bonsai trees ever. It is a bountiful tree that provides year-round spectacle: in spring it is covered with white or pink flowers blooming from red buds, in summer it has beautiful bright green foliage, in autumn the leaves turn yellow and the small fruits (the decorative apples) ripen and often remain on the bare tree through winter. It is a hardy and vigorous species, perfect for those who want a "living" bonsai tree that changes its appearance every month.

Origin & species

Bonsai apple trees are often wild varieties or hybrids selected for their small fruit size. They belong to the Rosaceae family.
Popular varieties include Malus Halliana (double pink flowers and small fruit), Malus Cerasifera (cherry-like apples) and Malus Evereste (hardy). Unlike orchard apple trees, these bonsai are prized for the aesthetics of the fruits, which are edible but often tart.

Exposure and Microclimate

Apple trees love full sun.
Direct exposure is crucial for flowering and, more importantly, for the fruit to ripen and color. It needs plenty of air and ventilation to avoid fungal diseases (such as Powdery mildew) to which it is prone.
In summer, it is not afraid of heat, but be careful that the pot does not get too hot if it is small.

Watering

It is a big drinker, especially when bearing fruit.
Water thoroughly as soon as the potting soil dries to the surface. During summer, if it has many apples, never leave it complete dry or it will drop fruit to survive. However, avoid watering open flowers (so as not to spoil them) and leaves in the evening (so as not to encourage fungus).

Water quality

It is not particularly demanding, but prefers water that is not too hard. Excess limestone can lead to ferric chlorosis. If possible, use decanted water.

Substrate

Requires a soil that retains moisture but is well draining.

• Recommended mix: 50% Akadama (essential for fine roots), 30% Pumice and 20% Universal Potting Soil or Humus.
• The organic component or Akadama is important to ensure the water reserve needed for fruit development.

Repotting

It is done in the fall (after the leaves fall) or in the spring (before the buds open, March).
Repot every year or two for young ones, because the roots grow so strong and fill the pot. Be firm in pruning large roots; the Apple tree responds very well by emitting capillaries.

Fertilization

It is a "hungry" plant. Fertilize generously.
In spring, use balanced organic fertilizer. After flowering, wait until the fruitlets are attached (pea-sized) before starting again, otherwise the vegetative drive may cause them to drop. In the fall, use potassium-rich fertilizer to mature the next year's flower buds.

Flowering and fruiting

It blooms in April-May. Fruits ripen in the fall.
Golden Rule: Bringing fruit to maturity costs the tree immense energy.
1. Thin out the fruit in June: leave only one or two per bunch.
2. If the tree is weak or needs to be worked, remove ALL the fruit.
3. In winter, do not leave apples on the tree until spring: remove them in January to let the tree rest.

Structure pruning

This is done in late winter. The wood is quite hard.
Remove branches that are not needed and shorten long ones. Remember that the Apple tree flowers on short branches (spurs) that are 2-3 years old: if you cut all the old wood, goodbye flowers!

Maintenance pruning

During the growing season, new shoots become very long. Shorten them to 2-3 leaves when they begin to lignify at the base. This maintains shape and stimulates the production of flowering spurs.

Stapling

Not always necessary, but can be done on strong apical shoots in spring to balance energy.

Binding & crimping

Young branches are flexible and bind well in spring/summer.
Caution: bark is alive and growing fast, wire will incarnate quickly leaving ugly marks. Check often. Old branches are stiff and will snap if forced.

Diseases and pests

This is the weak point of the Apple tree. It attracts many pests:

• Aphids: Ever-present on tender shoots and flowers.
• Powdery mildew (White Mal): White powder on leaves. Prevent with sulfur and sunny location.
• Red spider mite: In summer if it is hot and dry.
• Mealybug: On the branches.
• Caterpillars: They can eat the leaves.

Preventive winter (diluted liquid jin) and spring treatments are highly recommended.

Winter & protections

It is extremely cold-hardy.
It can stay outside all year round. In fact, it needs the cold to bloom well. Protect the roots only in exceptional frost if the pot is tiny.

Annual calendar

• January-February: Dry pruning, preventive treatments, removal of last fruits.
• March: Repotting.
• April-May: Flowering (do not water the flowers!), aphid control.
• June: Fruit selection (thinning), fertilization.
• July-August: Abundant water, pest control.
• September-October: Apple ripening, PK fertilizer.
• November-December: Leaf fall, fruit show.

Useful products for this bonsai

• Akadama Hard Quality (Fundamental Substrate)
• Fertilizer for Blooms (High Potassium for fruits)
• Multipurpose Insecticide (Against aphids and caterpillars)
• Sulfur or Antioidium (Prevention of White Malaria)
• Oblique Cutter (For clean cuts)
• Healing Mastic (Wound protection)

Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Trees

Can I eat bonsai apples?
Yes, they are edible, but they are usually very tart and woody, not as good as tableapples. Be careful if you have used systemic insecticides: then don't eat them.

Why do all the little fruits fall in June?
This is called "drooping." It happens if the tree is weak, if you have fertilized too much with nitrogen during fruit set, or if there is a lack of water. The tree sacrifices fruit to save itself.

Why do the leaves have a white powder?
It is Oidium (White Mal), typical of apple trees. Treat immediately with Sulfur or specific fungicide and put the plant in the sun and where air circulates.