Care for Ginkgo (Biloba) Bonsai

Ginkgo Biloba, also known as the Japanese nut tree, is one of the oldest tree species in the world. This special tree originates from China and is easy to recognize by its fan-shaped, bright green leaves, which turn a beautiful golden yellow in autumn. As a bonsai, Ginkgo is loved for its distinctive appearance and resilient character. On this page, you can learn all about the right location, watering, feeding, pruning and wiring, repotting, and preventing diseases. Curious about our specimens? Then take a look at our Ginkgo bonsai selection.

Location

The Ginkgo Biloba bonsai should be outside all year round. A sunny position is optimal, but for younger trees a spot with partial shade is recommended. The ginkgo can tolerate frost well. However, if it is in a bonsai pot, it is important to protect the roots from extreme cold, because the moist, fleshy roots can freeze.

Watering

The Ginkgo likes a lot of water from spring to autumn, but be careful not to overwater. In winter, keep the root ball only slightly moist.

Nutrition

Start fertilizing in the spring when the buds open. Use a high nitrogen fertilizer in the spring so that the tree produces long shoots. Use a liquid fertilizer every week until the leaves turn yellow in the fall. Instead of liquid fertilizer, you can also usesolid organic fertilizerto use.

Prune and wire

  • Pruning: If a shoot has five or six leaves, you can prune the shoot back to two leaves. Large pruning wounds heal poorly in this species; use wound paste and avoid large pruning wounds if possible.
  • Wiring: Ginkgo can be wired all year round. Be careful not to damage the soft bark on the trunk and branches.

Repotting

Young trees can be repotted every year in the spring; older specimens can be repotted every two to five years. Do not prune too many roots at once. Use a well-draining soil mixture. Viewhereour pots

Pests and disease

The Ginkgo is quite resistant and is rarely bothered by insects or diseases.