Technical Sheet - Carpinus

Common Name: Carpinus 

Scientific Name: Carpinus

Description: Native to Europe and parts of Asia, it belongs to the Betulaceae family.

This deciduous bonsai is known for its remarkable ability to form a sturdy and branched trunk with smooth gray bark that becomes rougher and fissured with age. It is particularly valued for its resilience and flexibility, which facilitates shaping in different Bonsai styles.

During Autumn, its dark green leaves turn into vibrant shades of golden yellow, providing a colorful and attractive display contrasting with the gray trunk.

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

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

Tips on watering, see the watering care sheet.

Allow the surface layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings (to check 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 nightfall to prevent fungal growth.

Nutrition: From February to September/October, with a base plan composed of a complete fertilizer (Fertil 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, see the complete nutrition plan care sheet.

Pruning: Allow 5 to 6 leaves to grow, then reduce back to the first leaves.

Tips on pruning, see the pruning and defoliation care sheet.

Transplanting: With Leafy Bonsai Soil in February/March, before bud break.

Details about transplanting, post-transplant care, and specific fortifiers you can use are found in the transplanting care sheet.

Wiring: Wiring can be done all year round. It is usually done at the end of Winter before bud break, or in Summer along with shaping pruning and total/partial defoliation.

Guidance on wiring, see the wiring care sheet.