Ligustrum bonsai is a common variety of bonsai that is quite tough and hardy. This quality of the species makes it an extremely suitable bonsai for bonsai beginners, since it can survive in spite of minor neglect in maintenance. Ligustrum bonsai can be of various types. They are deciduous, semi-evergreen, or evergreen shrubs and trees that can be found in the woods of North Africa, Europe, Australia and the Himalayas.
Some of the most popular varieties are the Ligustrum Ovalifolium, the Ligustrum vulgare and the Ligustrum sinense. This species is commonly known as Privet. Each subspecies come in different shapes, colors, leaf shape and growth habits. Some species will produce a white flower that is somewhat fragrant during summer. During late summer, the tree will produce small fruits, each of them bearing one seed.
Sunlight and water requirement
The Ligustrum bonsai requires partial or full sunlight. You can also grow the bonsai even inside the house, but the lack of sunlight and humidity may damage the tree. Do not keep the bonsai outside during winter.
The bonsai requires constant humidity. Since this shrub grows quite fast, it requires a lot of water, especially during summer. Investing in an inexpensive moisture meter is also a great idea, as this will save you from guess works.
Since the leaves of this bonsai require humidity to keep them healthy, you should mist it often during the day. Do not keep the bonsai near a ventilator, as this can dry out the leaves.
Feeding and Fertilizer
Fertilizing your Ligustrum bonsai is extremely important, especially because the tree grows fast and it cannot derive all its nutrients from the soil. You can provide the tree with half strength fertilizer every alternate week. During winter, fertilizing the bonsai once a month should be enough.
Pruning
In order to maintain the shape of your Ligustrum bonsai, you will have to prune the leaves and branches regularly. Trimming is especially required during the growing season. This should be done during late winter or early spring, just before the growing season starts.
Insects and diseases
Ligustrum bonsai may be affected by some of the usual infestations as leaf spot, scale insects, spider mites, Aphids, whiteflies, root rot and so on. You can easily get rid of these with the help of some of the standard insecticides.
Spray the Ligustrum bonsai with a non-toxic insecticide every month. However, remember that you should never spray the tree when the soil is dry.
