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RE: Tropical Tree: Citrus Tree root growth and branch pruning [Bonsai]
Quite an art. You've just given me an idea for some plants I have.
Of course, I'll have to learn a lot about this art.
I tend to throw seeds of tangerine, sapodilla (níspero), soursop (guanabana) and other fruits in a small 1x2 piece of dirt I have where I live, but after some months I have to give those plants away or take them to an open space where they can develop.
It's frustrating when we have plants that will grow big but we do not have room to plant them. On the other hand, I wonder if those plants can be made into bonsais.
Interesting thoughts there.
Some fruit trees only have a short lifespan, so you have to make a judgement call as to how long you want to train it before you are ready to use it for harvesting fruits.
Generally bonsai is not recommended by fruit growers. To get maximum yield, fruit trees are usually grafted onto a better rootstock, to provide maximum health to the tree for the region and location it will be grown in. Usually they want the tree developing as much quality fruit as possible during its lifespan.
For home growers, I think bonsai (or trees pruned to dwarf size) can be a good way for growers to work within a smaller space. Many people only want to grow a fruit tree for the novelty to be enjoyed by one or two people enjoying limited amounts of fruit. Trees can be trained to survive in large containers, and have their roots and branches pruned to the shape of a smaller healthy tree. Having fruit that is easy to reach without ladders, I think is a great benefit for kids, handicapped, the elderly, or folks who are accident prone or scared of heights.
That's a great idea to plant trees in a small part of the garden, and then dig them up later on once they have become stronger. I bet they grow quickly in good soil.
Thanks. Very generous of you to share all this bonsai wisdom :)
They do grow fast and healthy once they are transplanted. I've checked some of the mango, soursop and nispero trees i've given away in the last few years and they are ready to give fruits.