Crepe myrtle Bonsai Care guidelines
Place the tree in full sun which encourages flowering and prevents fungal diseases and insect attacks. The Crepe Myrtle likes humid conditions. In warm climates the Crepe Myrtle can be kept outside all year through. In temperate climates it is better to transfer the tree to a cool but frost-free place.
During the growth period the Crepe Myrtle needs a lot of water and must not dry out. Try to provide sufficient humidity. Water less in winter during dormancy. Continue reading about watering Bonsai trees.
Watering
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Watch Use a liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. You can also apply a solid organic fertilizer.
Prune the tree at the end of the summer season. This will encourage bud production for the following year. Wiring is possible but precautions should be taken not to damage the beautiful bark of the Crepe Myrtle. Wrap Paper or tape around the wire before winding it around the branches and remove the wire in time. Whenever possible, use guy-wires instead. Continue reading about pruning Bonsai trees.
Repot the Crepe Myrtle every two or three years. Use a soil mix containing two-fifths organic ingredients. You can also add some organic fertilizer to the soil to promote healthy growth. Continue reading about repotting Bonsai trees.
The Crepe Myrtle can be propagated from seeds and cuttings.
Sometimes the Crepe Myrtle is bothered by aphids. Use a specific insecticide or wash the insects off with a strong water jet. Mildew is a more serious problem which occurs quite often. Spray your Crepe Myrtle with a specific fungicide in that case. For more detailed information on these techniques, check out our Bonsai tree care section.
Crepe myrtle Bonsai by Adam Lavigne (Lagerstroemia indica)
General information about the Crepe myrtle Bonsai tree
It produces beautiful pink, white or purple flowers with crinkled petals. The trunk has a smooth beige dappled bark which peels each year when the trunk gets thicker. The leaves are oval, simple and can be alternating or opposite. In autumn the leaves turn yellow and orange-red before they fall. The Crepe Myrtle can endure a little frost but it is advisable to protect it from frost, especially if it is planted in a container. If you need help identifying your tree, take a look at our Bonsai tree identification guide.
