Witch Hazel Bonsai Care Guide

Witch Hazel is an outdoor bonsai that requires full sun or some partial shade in warmer climates. While this plant is hardy to below-zero temperatures it should be protected from drier winds. 

Witch Hazel is not a drought-resistant species. It requires a considerable amount of water and should be watered thoroughly the moment the top layer is dry. Humidity is best for its root ball without waterlogging the plant. 

During the growing season, feed your Witch Hazel every two weeks with liquid or organic feed. 

Pruning your bonsai is important not only to create or maintain an aesthetic style but to also ensure optimal health. Witch Hazel should be pruned to give the desired shape. Pinch lightly throughout the growing season to develop the crown. 

Witch Hazel are not a species that is commonly wired, yet if doing so, it should take place before sprouting. 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. Your Witch Hazel should be repotted every two to three years at the start of Spring. The ideal time is just before the new buds appear. 

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.