Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova Zerrata) Care Sheet
JAPANESE ZELKOVA
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Tips and Tricks for Caring for Your Japanese Zelkova Tree |
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The Japanese Zelkova is a deciduous tree native to Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. The leaves are dark green throughout the summer, changing to yellow, orange, red, and purple through the fall. These trees can tolerate a slight frost and are easy to care for. |
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PLACEMENT
During the growing season, Zelkovas prefer full sun. If the sunlight is very intense in your area, make sure to place in semi shade during the hottest weeks of the summer. It is best to protect the roots from frost. Zelkovas do well in zones 5 to 8. TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY Zelkovas prefer high humidity, so make sure to monitor humidity levels. Mist regularly and provide a humidity tray to help. While Zelkovas are tolerant to slight frost, they cannot survive temperatures below -25ºF. WATERING The watering schedule for your Zelkova will depend on the depth of the container and the climate. Zelkovas need watered regularly, but make sure not to overwater, as that can cause root rot. Do not let the root ball dry out, making sure to keep it moist in winter. Less water is required in colder months. During summer, however, you might need to water twice daily in sunny locations. SOIL/FERTILIZER We recommend our Deciduous Bonsai Soil Mix for your Japanese Zelkova. Apply a solid pellet fertilizer every four weeks or use a liquid fertilizer weekly during the growing season. Do not fertilize if the leaves have dropped. Fertilize your Zelkova from spring to fall. REPOTTING Repot your tree every two to three years. When repotting, plant in a shallow oval or rectangular pot. It is crucial to use dry soil and do not apply pressure to the soil. Gently shake the container to settle the soil then water immediately. Zelkovas can develop perfect radial nebaris. PROPAGATION Zelkovas can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, air layering, and greenwood cuttings in summer and hardwood cuttings in the winter. PRUNING Allow new shoots to grow until they produced four to six leaves, then cut back to two. After leaf fall, prune thicker twigs and very long shoots. To promote ramification, young Zelkovas can be defoliated in summer. Any branches or twigs that interfere with the overall look of the tree should be removed. WIRING The best time to wire is in autumn, or spring before the buds open. Young twigs can grow crooked and must be corrected to achieve the perfect silhouette. In fall, tie branches and twigs together into bundles and tie the bundles together in order to create the broom shape. Remove wire in spring. PESTS/DISEASES The Japanese Zelkova is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, gall mites, and spider mites. Pesticides specific to the problem you are having will solve these issues. |
PRODUCTS |
Deciduous Bonsai Soil Mix KIKU™ Aluminum Training Wire KIKU™ Root Hook Fertilizer Pellets |
