La Sageretia theezans, also popularly known as Chinese plum or sweet plum bonsai, is one of the most appreciated species in the world of bonsai. Its appeal is due both to its evergreen foliage with small, shiny leaves, as well as its mottled bark and decorative fruits. Native to southern China and belonging to the Rhamnaceae family, the Sageretia is valued by both beginners for its ease of shaping and by experts looking to add an elegant and exotic tree to their collection.
Botanical characteristics of Sageretia theezans
Sageretia theezans is a tropical shrub or small tree that can reach modest dimensions, ideal for growing in pots. Its bright green leaves are oval, alternate, and have slightly serrated edges. During the spring, it produces small white flowers, with little aroma, which later give rise to rounded, dark fruits (in bluish, violet, or black tones) that are highly decorative. The bark, which tends to flake off in light-colored patches, gives the bonsai a unique appearance. To learn more about different bonsai styles, you can consult our guide at types of bonsai.
In terms of growth, Sageretia stands out for sprouting easily even on old wood and offering numerous back buds, allowing for versatile shaping. This facilitates the creation of styles such as moyogic (informal), Sakkan (inclined), Kenya (waterfall), Han-Kengai (semi-cascade) or Yose-ue (forest).
Location and light: keys to the development of Sageretia bonsai
The optimal development of Sageretia theezans depends largely on its location and the light it receives. This species is very sensitive to low temperatures and sudden changes in environment. Therefore, it is recommended:
- Ideal situation: Place the bonsai in a very bright interior, near a large window (preferably less than one meter away), avoiding direct sunlight during intense hours.
- Sun exposure: It tolerates mild morning sun, but should be shaded in the afternoon to prevent leaf damage. In summer, it can be moved outdoors to shady, wind-protected locations.
- Protection against the cold: When nights are cold, it's essential to keep Sageretia indoors, especially if temperatures drop below 12 degrees Celsius. In temperate climates, it can be kept outdoors for most of the year.
- Avoid drafts and heat sources: It should not be placed near air conditioners, stoves, televisions, or other devices that produce heat or dry drafts, as these can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop.
- Turning the pot: Turning the pot half a turn every 15 days helps balance foliage growth and prevent deformities.
Environmental humidity and atmosphere
Sageretia is a species that appreciates high ambient humidityIndoors, where the air is often dry, especially during the winter, it is advisable to:
- Spray the foliage daily with lime-free water to provide moisture.
- Use trays with water or wet gravel under the pot, always avoiding direct contact of the roots with water.
- In hot weather or in very dry environments, increase the frequency of misting.
Irrigation: frequency, method and practical advice
Watering is one of the most delicate aspects of Sageretia theezans care. This bonsai does not tolerate excess water or drought well:
- Frequency: Keeping the substrate moist, but not flooding, is essential. Checking the substrate's moisture content daily is key to avoiding problems.
- Time of the year: In spring and summer, watering should be more frequent (even daily) due to active growth. In winter, reduce the frequency depending on the ambient temperature.
- If the substrate dries out: Water thoroughly until water runs through the drainage holes. If the pot has dried out excessively, submerging it in water for a few minutes can restore lost moisture.
- Avoid waterlogging: Use well-draining substrates and do not allow water to remain stagnant at the base of the pot.
- Ideal time: Water preferably in the morning so that the tree can absorb moisture in milder temperatures.
Recommended substrate for Sageretia bonsai
The ideal substrate for this bonsai should be ensure good drainage and retain sufficient moisture without accumulating excess water:
- Composition: Mix 80% akadama (Japanese clay) with 20% kiryuzuna, or volcanic gravel. You can add 2% to 5% bamboo charcoal to improve aeration and prevent pathogens.
- Alternatives: A mixture of 50% akadama, 25% peat and 25% coarse sand is also valid, or directly 100% akadama mixed with volcanic gravel for greater simplicity.
Fertilizing: Type, Frequency, and Tips for Vigorous Growth
A balanced fertilizer helps Sageretia maintain its vigor and health throughout the year:
- Spring and summer: Fertilize every 7-10 days with a liquid fertilizer specifically for bonsai, always following the dosage recommended by the manufacturer.
- Autumn and winter: Space out fertilization every 15 days and preferably use solid or slow-release fertilizers once a month only in spring and autumn.
- Recommended fertilizers: Organic fertilizers rich in nitrogen are ideal at the beginning of the growing season, while fertilizers with a higher proportion of phosphorus and potassium are recommended during colder periods or at the end of summer.
- Caution: During periods of high temperatures (over 30°C), reduce the dose by half to avoid excessive growth and general weakness.
Pruning, pinching and defoliation of Sageretia theezans
Sageretia is a species that tolerates drastic pruning and regrowth even on old branches, a trait that facilitates the design and maintenance of the bonsai's silhouette:
- Structural pruning: It is preferably carried out during spring or summer, removing thick or out-of-design branches.
- Pinching: It can be done all year round, cutting shoots when they have 4-6 leaves, leaving only 2 pairs to encourage rear budding and density.
- Removal of basal shoots: Remove any shoots that appear at the base of the trunk for a clean, healthy look.
- Defoliated: Partial defoliation is not necessary for this species, although it can be done after new shoots emerge if you want to increase branching. Complete defoliation is not recommended if the tree is weak.
- Removing wilted flowers: Removing dried flowers encourages new flowering and prevents excessive energy consumption.
Wiring and modeling
Wiring allows you to shape the structure of the trunk and secondary branches of the Sageretia:
- Ideal moment: Perform after pruning and preferably in spring or summer, when the sap flows freely and the wood is flexible.
- Caution: Avoid damaging the bark. Remove the wire before it leaves a mark on the soft bark of the Sageretia.
- Wiring on young branches: Wiring is rarely essential, as the species adapts well to selective pinching and pruning.
Transplant: when and how to do it
Sageretia theezans requires periodic transplants to renew the substrate and maintain a healthy root system:
- Frequency: It is recommended to transplant every 2 or 3 years, in spring or early summer, depending on the development of the roots.
- Root reduction: Do not remove more than 1/3 of the root system to avoid excessive stress on the tree.
- Cleaning the old substrate: Remove all old soil and trim only the longest or damaged roots, maintaining a healthy root crown.
- Watering after transplanting: Perform a first immersion watering with an invigorating solution to reduce stress.
Propagation of Sageretia
Sageretia theezans can be propagated by:
- Seeds: Although it is a slower method, it allows obtaining numerous specimens.
- Cuttings: It is the most common and simple method to preserve the characteristics of the original specimen.
Most common pests and diseases
Sageretia is a fairly hardy species, although it can be affected by pests and diseases under unfavorable environmental conditions:
- Pests: It may be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, red spider mites and whiteflies, especially in dry or poorly ventilated environments.
- Fungi: Excessive moisture in the substrate can promote the growth of fungi. Watch out for spots on leaves and soft roots.
- Prevention: Carry out preventive treatments with insecticides and fungicides during the most important seasonal changes (early spring, summer, and fall).
- Watch out for symptoms: Yellowing or wrinkling of leaves usually indicates watering or environmental problems. Adjust the frequency and amount of watering, and improve aeration.
Recommended bonsai styles for Sageretia theezans
Thanks to its easy sprouting and flexibility, Sageretia can be adapted to multiple bonsai styles, including:
- Moyogi (informal vertical): The most popular, with a sinuous and balanced trunk.
- Sakkan (bowed): Imitating trees defeated by the wind.
- Kengai (waterfall) and Han-Kengai (semi-waterfall): They simulate trees that have grown in natural obstacles.
- Yose-ue (forest): Grouping several specimens in the same pot.
Additional expert tips for a healthy bonsai
- Constantly monitor the condition of the blade: Spots, wrinkles or dryness may indicate irrigation deficiencies or environmental problems.
- Adapt irrigation to the season: Never water systematically, always check the substrate moisture before adding water.
- Avoid sudden changes of location, temperature or humidity to reduce stress and leaf drop.
- Air the pot periodically and clean the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and facilitate photosynthesis.
- If you perform a transplant Outside the ideal season, reduce root pruning to a minimum and increase monitoring of the tree after the intervention.
Sageretia theezans is a bonsai gem that, with proper care and constant observation, can remain healthy, leafy, and vigorous for years, adding an exotic and refined note to any collection. Growing it is a pleasure, whether you're a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, as it allows you to experiment with and perfect the techniques of bonsai art.