Technical Data Sheet - Ilex

Common Name: Ilex

Scientific Name: Ilex sp

Characterization: Originating from China and Japan, it belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family. It is widely used for making ornamental hedges, as it regrows well after heavy pruning.

In Bonsai, the most used varieties are Ilex Microphylla and Ilex Crenata. It is an evergreen tree with small dark green leaves.

Aesthetically, it fits very well in different styles and sizes. It is commonly used in small plants due to the leaf size and the ease with which it compacts.

Location: Outdoors, where it receives 2 to 3 hours of direct sunlight per day (ideally in the morning or late afternoon), protected from strong winds and frost.

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

For tips on watering, see the watering technical sheet.

Allow the top 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 you fertilize and if the fertilizer is for foliar application, but ensure the leaves dry by night to avoid fungi.

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

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

Pruning: Usually let 6 to 8 leaves grow and cut after the first ones, but it responds well to strong formative pruning.

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

Repotting: With Leafy Bonsai Soil in February/March, when bud break starts, perform formative pruning together with repotting to hydraulically balance the plant.

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

Wiring: Can be wired at the end of Winter or beginning of Spring. Due to the difficulty of wiring between the leaves, partial defoliation may sometimes be necessary to pass the wire.

For wiring guidelines,  see the wiring technical sheet.