Bonsai - "Sleeping Silk Tree" (Albizzia julibrissin 'Rosea')

Seeds: 10 pcs.

Interesting facts: In nature, this "Sleeping Silk Tree" can grow to a height of 4-5 meters and is very popular due to its umbrella-like crown. In bonsai cultivation, the bright green, small, pinnate leaves are particularly attractive. And the deep pink to rose-colored blossoms are a true feast for the eyes. The plant gets its name from the fact that it folds its leaves together in the evening. Origin: This tree is native to tropical and subtropical regions, and due to its winter hardiness, the Albizzia is a popular tree in many European parks.

Cultivation: Since the flat, oval seeds have very hard shells, you can first roughen them slightly with sandpaper. This helps them absorb water better during pre-soaking. Then, place the seeds in room-temperature water for a few hours or overnight. Then, spread the seeds on the moist potting soil and cover them very thinly with soil. At 20° to 25°C, the first seeds will germinate after 10 to 14 days.

Location: The location should be bright to full sun. Outdoors, protection is only necessary from the intense midday sun in high summer. The tree also does not tolerate heavy rain well. The flowers, especially during flowering, suffer in the rain.

Care: Keep the plant consistently moist in summer and water less frequently in winter when temperatures are between 5° and 15°C. During the growing season from April to October, you can fertilize the plant approximately every 20 days with liquid bonsai fertilizer. Although the Albizia becomes frost-resistant down to -24°C after a few years, the bonsai pot, which is usually made of ceramic, must then be protected. Regular pruning will reduce the size of the leaves to their normal size and encourage the plant to develop more side shoots. Pruning can be done almost year-round, as the plant only has a short dormant period. Once 5 to 6 pairs of leaves have formed on the new shoots, they should be pruned back to 1 to 2 leaves. This will quickly result in a dense crown. Branches can be pruned from May to October.