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How to Grow a Korean Boxwood Bonsai

There are four main species of boxwood that are used for the ancient horticultural art of bonsai: the harland boxwood, the common boxwood, the Japanese boxwood and the Korean boxwood. If you have a Korean boxwood bonsai, you will need to make sure your bonsai plant gets adequate sunlight and is grown in a warm environment. Growing a bonsai tree is not for the amateur horticulturalist — it takes a lot of effort and time to prune your boxwood bonsai into the desired shape and size.

Things You'll Need

  • Watering can
  • Liquid fertilizer
  • Pruning shears
  • Larger bonsai pot
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the bonsai tree in an area that receives partial sunlight.The bonsai should never be exposed to cold drafts or frost. In the summer months, it is safe to put your Korean boxwood bonsai outside as it will appreciate the fresh air. Korean boxwoods are not particular to sun or shade as long as they are not receiving constant shade or constant sunlight they will grow successfully.

    • 2

      Water the plant semi-regularly. Boxwood bonsai plants like the Korean boxwood do not require a lot of water. In fact, you should let the soil get dry before you water it again. You know you have adequately watered your plant when water trickles out through the holes in the bottom of the pot.

    • 3

      Feed the bonsai plant every two weeks during the growth season using a liquid fertilizer designed for bonsai growth. You should never fertilize a bonsai that has just been re-potted or the tree might get sick. When fertilizing the bonsai, make sure the soil is damp before you apply the fertilizer.

    • 4

      Prune the bonsai so it takes on the desired size and shape. The best way of shaping your bonsai is to prune it carefully with shears — Korean boxwoods are very versatile and can be shaped into almost any shape. Remove the flowers and fruit in the early spring to promote new growth.

    • 5

      Repot your bonsai every two years. The Korean boxwood bonsai does not enjoy being repotted and therefore should be repotted infrequently. When repotting the bonsai, try to do it when the weather is not hot such as in the spring or autumn.