Banksia appreciate plenty of sun, being a native Australian species. Grow in full sun to keep the growth compact and healthy. Artificial lighting is likely a must for UK growth. If placed outdoors, Banksia will certainly need protection from harsh winter conditions.
Though Banksia are significantly drought-resistant bonsai, it is best to water regularly, as indicated by checking the dryness of the top inch of soil.
Feed your Banksia Bonsai with a mild liquid fertiliser, ideally with a slow-release every two weeks except in winter. We would recommend the Chrysal Liquid Bonsai Feed.
Pruning your Banksia can take place regularly. Trim vertical growth back hard, less so for sideways growth, and let this grow out freely. Consistent leaf trimming only aids the growth of a Banksia and develops a thick trunk. Pinch consistently during every period.
Banksia only take to very light wiring. This is a fast-growing tree that will mark easily from wiring. If wiring a branch down is a must, consider wiring the tip up and then cutting back hard later after it has grown freely.
Repot your Banksia every 12 to 18 months and fertilise it considerably each time. Banksia appreciate a soil with plenty of grit and sand, befitting their native environment.
Trees that are ready for repotting will require root pruning, a suitable new pot and appropriate soil mix.
When repotting, do not cut back the root mass by a large amount, and choose a well-draining soil mix that has a neutral or slightly higher PH value of 5-6, but not over 7. We tend to use a mixture of different speciality bonsai soils on our trees. Every species is different, so please contact us for free soil-mix advice or to take advantage of our repotting service.
Banksia integrifolia
Bonsai make for a one-of-a-kind indoor plant offering elegance, nature and art all in one minute form. Across an array of exquisite and erudite species, they all demand their own specific care and cultivation needs in order for their beauty to flourish. We have an extensive library of bonsai care guides for indoor bonsai trees, so you can make an informed and considered choice. It’s not about selecting the perfect bonsai, it’s about selecting the perfect bonsai for you.
Banksia Bonsai can be propagated from both cuttings and seeds. Using seeds is advised as the most successful method and will require the correct temperature range to germinate.
Banksia is prone to root rot when overwatered. As a succulent that is remarkably thirsty, this would be an achievement. Be more mindful of intruders which are prone when the tree is kept indoors. Spider mites and aphids are the likely pests for this species and should be handled with the appropriate pesticide.
While this is an easily propagated and cared for species, it’s only advised for beginners who have a sufficiently equipped indoor space that can provide high temperatures and substantial artificial lighting.
