Rainbow Eucalyptus Bonsai – Growing and Care Tips

When it comes to spectacular specimens, a well-tended rainbow eucalyptus bonsai will steal the show. Beneath its bark is a carnival of painterly colours that cover the tree’s trunk and branches. While it can be time-consuming to maintain as a bonsai, it is well worth the effort

About Rainbow Eucalyptus Bonsai

Rainbow eucalyptus is an evergreen, tropical tree that is native to the Philippines. In its natural habitat, it can grow over 200 feet tall and be over 6 feet in diameter. Its fast growth makes it a popular tree for paper farms, but it is growing in popularity as an ornamental.

The tree’s beautiful colours start showing themselves when the tree is about half an inch thick. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the bark of the tree that is colourful. The thin bark flakes away to reveal the tinted wood underneath. While they are not the best choice for a beginner bonsai, rainbow eucalyptus bonsai are an excellent option for large, yard-planted specimens in tropical climates.

Rainbow Eucalyptus Bonsai Care

Your tree will demand plenty of water and full sun to thrive. Keep its soil moist but not wet, and maintain high humidity levels for the lushest growth. Pinch off top and side shoot growth regularly to keep your plant small. Eucalyptus trees often have large leaves, but careful defoliation can keep them in proportion.

Do not expect to keep a tabletop rainbow eucalyptus bonsai. All eucalyptus trees are fast growers, and some can churn out up to a foot of growth a month. A three-foot bonsai is attainable as long as you are diligent with pinching back. Rainbow eucalyptus will die if the root ball freezes, and frost can cause foliage burn. Make sure that you have plans for winter care.

Starting from Seed

While you can establish a plant from a sapling or cutting, seeding is the most popular place to begin. Buy enough seeds to account for the 50 to 60% germination rate. Soaking your seeds overnight can improve your chances. It is best to sow your seeds in mid- to late spring. Hardening off your saplings during a nice, hot summer is ideal for growing a hearty rainbow eucalyptus bonsai.

Keep your seedlings moist while they germinate. Germination can take up to three weeks, and the first seedlings to emerge will likely be your best bonsai candidates. When they outgrow their germination tray, transplant them during the evening when the air is cool.

Incubating your seedlings is crucial for success. You can start immediately after their first transplantation. Place them in a covered, plastic box, and put the box in a shady spot that still gets hot during the day. Leave them alone for a week, watering as needed. They may appear to wilt and even look dead at first. Your best candidates will bounce back. Uncover the box after a week, and start acclimating them to full sun after about three weeks.

Early Care

Start your seedling, cutting or sapling in shady conditions and gradually increase sun exposure. Frequent watering is essential while your bonsai’s roots establish. After the first month, establishing a monthly feeding schedule with specialised bonsai fertiliser.

Eucalyptus trees go through several growth stages. After the first month, your saplings will start growing rapidly. Be diligent about pinching back growth. Your bonsai will be ready for more complex training when it is about five years old.

Planting Considerations

Your sapling is ready for its final growing dish when it is about ten inches high. Rainbow eucalyptus bonsai may grow quickly, but even year-old specimens will not transplant well. Choose your container wisely. Pick 12-inch pot that will give your plant’s roots room for the typical eucalyptus sprawl. Your bonsai will do best in a light, sandy soil, and giving it a heavy dose of organic matter will encourage lush growth.

Outdoor Care

While they are summer hearty in zones 9 through 11, rainbow eucalyptus bonsai are tropical plants and do not appreciate cold winters. You can summer them outdoors in zones 9 to 11, but if outdoor temperatures will drop below 55 degrees, your bonsai will need special care. Bringing it inside will cause weak growth. Resist the temptation and tend to it outside instead.

For mild cold, cover the plant’s roots with straw and mulch to keep them warm. For deeper chills, move your rainbow eucalyptus bonsai into a covered shelter, wrap it in protective cloth, or place it inside a cold frame. An outdoor greenhouse or conservatory is the best choice.