Chaenomeles japonica – Japanese Quince (Bonsai Care)

Soil pH: slightly acidic to neutral; clay/loamy soil. Position: Full sun; protect in frosts below 5°C, though without exposure to cold the quinces flower poorly, if at all. Feeding: Every two weeks from the end of the flowering period until the leaves fall; feeding after leaf-break will stop flowering. Repotting: Every one or two years in a basic soil mix, preferably in Autumn, though Spring repotting is possible with care before the leaf-buds extend. Pruning: For flowers, allow new growth to extend unpruned through the growing season, then cut back to the first or second node of new growth in Autumn. Basal growth/suckers should be removed unless required. Remove faded flowers so energy is not lost on fruit production (unless fruit is required). Propagation: Sow seed outside in Autumn, take semi-ripe cuttings in mid-summer, and layers in Autumn. Pests and diseases: Canker, scale insects and aphids. Styles: Very commonly seen in multiple-trunk / clump / sinuous forms, though suitable for most forms other than formal upright and broom, in small to medium sizes.

Fertilizing: Fertilizing is necessary if the bonsai is to remain healthy and beautiful. Because the tree grows in such a small amount of soil, the soil's supply of nutrients must be replenished periodically. Any general-purpose liquid fertilizer is fine and is available at most garden centers; use fertilizers at half their recommended strength. Apply at least once a month except during winter. The bonsai also responds well to foliar feeding, with a water-soluble fertilizer applied every other month as a spray.

Potting: The potting process is easy and safe when performed properly and at the right time of year. Repotting should be done in mid-summer. Remove the tree with all of its soil from the pot, then remove the outer and bottom-most fourth of the root mass by raking the soil away and pruning back the roots — do not prune back more than one fourth of the root mass. Place the tree back in its original or a new pot; the pot should have screen over the drainage holes, then a thin layer of small gravel for drainage, then fresh well-draining soil sufficient to raise the tree to its previous height. Fill the space vacated by the pruned roots with fresh soil, working it in around and under the root mass to avoid air pockets. Water thoroughly after repotting, e.g. by submerging the whole pot in a tub of water. Moss or other ground cover can be used on the surface to prevent soil erosion when watering.