Hornbeam appreciates a sunny spot outdoors with considerable aeration. A younger plant will fare better with some shade at the height of summer; older trees can withstand full sun.

Hornbeam bonsai should be watered as soon as the soil is dry. As a rule of thumb, once a day during spring and autumn, in the middle of summer, it’s worth watering freely twice a day.

Common Hornbeam require feeding once every other month at a regularity of every five to six weeks. A weak solution of general or slow-release fertiliser is advised. We would recommend the Naruko Slow Release Feed. Trees in training require a different regimen. After the leaf break in spring, training trees require feeding every week for a month, then every other week afterwards.

Pruning your bonsai is important not only to create or maintain an aesthetic style but also to ensure optimal health. Heavy pruning, the removal of large branches, is best done in summer for healing properties, but can be done any time of the year. Encourage branching by consistently pruning back shoots in the spring and summer. Pinch out new shoots continuously, as necessary, as soon as two or three leaves have formed. 

Common Hornbeam aren’t typically wired but can be when done in spring and summer. We recommend using wires with a thickness that matches the thickness of the branch: if the wire you choose is too thick, you will damage the bark. If it is too thin, it won’t be effective.

Repotting your tree is an important way to provide a fresh and suitable soil mix and ensure appropriate root health. Repot only when the rootball has become pot-bound. Repot at a regularity of every 3-4 years when so.

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.