Aralia Snowflake, also known as a Ming Aralia (Polyscias fruticosa), is a small shrub commonly used in Bonsai. This is one of the rare varieties of Bonsai that prefer indirect sun and are best grown indoors year-round. One of the most attractive features of the Aralia Snowflake is the ability to do very well indoors with relatively low amounts of light.
BONSAI CARE
The Aralia Snowflake grows exceptionally well indoors with minimum amounts of light. It will not tolerate temperatures below 10° celsius and will do best at temperatures between 15° to 25° celsius. The Aralia Snowflake likes moist soil, so constant watering and misting are required. The Aralia Snowflake does not tolerate wind, so it is very content growing indoors year-round.
Watering:
YOUNG: 6"-12" tall, comes in a 6" grower's pot.
MATURE: 8" - 16" tall, comes in an 8" handmade ceramic pot.
Soil (Substrate)
Bonsai soils are usually a mixture of organic potting compost (Pine Bark or Forest Floor), Akadama, pumice, lava rock in varying amounts.
It is important for the soil have good water retention while also draining well, along with very good aeration. The quality of the soil directly affects the health, size and growth of your tree. One of the worst things you can do to your tree is plant it in regular garden soil. Garden soil hardens when it drys and can often lead to a disadvantage when growing a Bonsai.
Soil mixtures can be purchased here, but given their weight and cost of shipping, you can also easily make your own.
Depending on the type of Bonsai you're growing, here are the general formulas for successful mixtures.
Deciduous Tree (Leafy and looses leafs in the fall)
10% Potting Compost
Coniferous Tree (Evergreen like Juniper, Cedar)
If you are not able to check on your Bonsai's moisture levels daily, add more Akadama to the mix.
Given how these soils erode over time, repotting every 2-3 years is required.
Here are some suitable replacements if you cannot find the recommended types of soil.
One of the best and easiest ways to fertilize your Bonsai, is to add a liquid fertilizer mix when water your Bonsai's once a month during the spring/summer. If your Bonsai looses leaves in the winter there is no need to fertilize it then. If you have a coniferous tree, fertilizing the tree once in the beginning of winter and once in the middle of winter should be sufficient.
Arrived in perfect condition, put in my greenhouse and place in the sun every day. It is thriving Very happy!
Wonderful mature tree who suffered during shipping in December. Would recommend to buy during late spring or summer. Otherwise fully appreciated!!!
