27-year-old Ligustrum Bonsai

Common Name: Chinese Privet

Scientific Name: Ligustrum chinensis

Description: Belongs to the Oleaceae family, and includes China, Japan, and Europe.

Although there are various types of Ligustrums, this variety originating from China is the best suited for Bonsai.

It is an evergreen shrub with green oval leaves, producing white flowers in summer (rare in Bonsai due to pruning); there is also a white and green leaf species (variegata).

Location: It can live indoors near a window with good sun exposure for a minimum of 2 to 3 hours daily and without air conditioning, where it should be rotated 180° weekly.

It can also live outdoors all year round provided it is protected from strong winds and frost; it is very sensitive to lack of direct sunlight.

Watering: Water abundantly until plenty of water comes out of the drainage holes to evenly moisten the soil, always from above never by immersion, using a watering can with fine holes.

For tips on watering, consult the watering technical sheet.

Allow the surface layer of soil to dry slightly between each watering (to confirm if the plant needs water, touch the soil with your fingers).

If you have a tray under the Bonsai, never leave any water in it (to prevent root rot).

There is no benefit in misting the leaves; only do so on days when fertilizing and if the fertilizer is for foliar application, but ensure the leaves dry by night to avoid fungi.

Nutrition: From February to October/November, follow a basic plan consisting of a complete fertilizer (Fertil Bonsai Humic, or Green & Gold Bonsai Organic or Biogold), and a biostimulant (Bio Bonsai Activ), which can also be combined with other products from our range.

Detailed information on how to combine these products with others from our range, or for a more specific nutrition plan, consult the complete nutrition plan technical sheet.

Pruning: Let 6 to 8 leaves grow, then cut back after the first leaves.

For pruning tips, consult the pruning and defoliation technical sheet.

Repotting: Use Bonsai Soil for Leafy Trees in February/March, with strong partial defoliation.

Details on repotting, post-repotting care, and specific fortifiers you can use can be found in the repotting technical sheet.

Wiring: Can be wired all year round. It is usually done at the end of winter or at the end of summer together with shaping pruning and partial defoliation.

Instructions on wiring can be found in the wiring technical sheet.