pre bonsai Willow, Corkscrew Willow, Bonsai Willow- Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa -Corkscrew Willow Hardiness USDA Zones 4-8. Growing and caring for a Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa' (commonly known as the corkscrew willow as a bonsai can be a rewarding experience due to its unique twisted branches and rapid growth. Here?s a comprehensive guide on how to do it: ### Selection and Initial Training 1. **Choosing the Plant**: - Select a healthy young Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa' with strong, interestingly twisted branches. 2. **Initial Pruning**: - Prune the tree to develop a strong structure. Remove any branches that are too straight or don?t fit into your desired shape. - Focus on creating an open canopy to allow light and air to penetrate. 3. **Pot Selection**: - Choose a pot that is appropriate for bonsai, ensuring it has adequate drainage holes. ### Potting and Soil 1. **Soil Mix**: - Use a well-draining bonsai soil mix. - Willows prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH. 2. **Repotting**: - Repot every 1-2 years in the early spring before new growth begins. This helps refresh the soil and manage root growth. - Trim the roots to fit the pot, but do not remove more than one-third of the root mass. ### Watering 1. **Frequency**: - Willows need plenty of water, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. - Reduce watering in winter when the tree is dormant. ### Light and Temperature 1. **Light**: - Provide full sun to partial shade. Ensure the bonsai receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. 2. **Temperature**: - Willows are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but they should be protected from extreme cold. In winter, provide some protection if temperatures drop significantly below freezing. ### Feeding 1. **Fertilizing**: - Feed with a balanced bonsai fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring to early autumn). - Reduce feeding in late autumn and winter when the tree is dormant. ### Pruning and Shaping 1. **Pruning**: - Regularly prune to maintain the desired shape and size. Willows grow quickly, so frequent trimming is necessary. - Remove any dead or diseased branches promptly. 2. **Wiring**: - Wire branches to shape them, but be cautious as willow branches are brittle and can snap easily. - Remove the wire after a few months to prevent it from cutting into the bark as the branches grow. ### Pests and Diseases 1. **Common Issues**: - Willows can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Check regularly and treat with appropriate insecticidal soap or neem oil. - Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust can occur. Ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage excessively. 2. **Preventative Measures**: - Keep the bonsai in a well-ventilated area. - Remove fallen leaves and debris from the soil surface to prevent fungal growth. ### Outside Display Unlike certain other types of bonsai trees which can be kept inside the home, a Weeping Willow bonsai tree should be kept on the outside of the home. With a bit of planning, it is very easy to display the bonsai tree on the outside of a home. ### Seasonal Care 1. **Spring**: - This is the time for repotting, major pruning, and wiring. New growth will start appearing. 2. **Summer**: - Water frequently and provide partial shade if the sun is very intense. 3. **Autumn**: - Reduce feeding and prepare the tree for dormancy. Prune lightly to maintain shape. 4. **Winter**: - Protect from severe frost. Reduce watering but do not let the soil dry out completely. By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow and care for a Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa' as a bonsai, enjoying its unique beauty and form. Normal shipping for this item is Canada Post Expedited Parcel- has Tracking =s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s Please understand that you are purchasing a live plant. The plant you receive may have changed, grown or have slight defects. Likewise, a new leaf may have grown since the initial picture or the plant may even be larger than the size in the listing. We may also do a light pruning at the time of shipping to ensure better travel etc. And if it stays listed for some time, we may change the pricing =f=f==f=f=ff=f=f=f=f==f=f=f= =f=f==f=f=ff=f=f=f=f==f=f=f= . https://www.ebay.ca/usr/okiger- =s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s==s=s=s=s=s=s=s=- Note some outdoor Items may not be shipped until spring (March-April) if purchased during the months when the ground is frozen (Dec- March) This may vary at times depending on weather, snow cover and other conditions. s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s==s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=ss== Shipping of Seeds and Cuttings: Orders are shipped via Canada Post Mail unless otherwise specified. Some items are shipped without tracking to keep costs low. This is the most economical option. Canada Post is incredibly reliable, but can be slow. If you require tracking or a faster delivery please message before ordering. We try to ship any live plants on MONDAYS or TUESDAYS as a precautionary measure to avoid delays over the weekend and ensure the viability of live plant orders. Weather may be a contributing factor in the processing of our orders and will occasionally cause some delay. We will ship seeds anywhere in the world, however, please make sure you check with your country's customs office to be sure that they are allowed in. We will not be held responsible for orders held, confiscated and/or destroyed by customs. Please note this and make sure you understand before you buy it. If you have a question or if you are unclear about shipping policies please contact us. We welcome questions! Contact us before, after, or during any transaction and you will receive a reply ASAP. Thanks for visiting! Don't forget to bookmark us!